Brendon McCullum Admits England’s Ashes Prep May Have Fallen Short

After facing a heavy defeat in the Adelaide test, Brendon McCullum admitted that England’s preparation for the Ashes may have fallen short. He also applauded the performance of the Australian team, saying that they delivered consistent results in every department of the game.

He said the team was disappointed with the outcome of the Adelaide test, as they had come into the match hoping to keep the series alive. They obviously wanted to win the Ashes in Australia, however, those hopes have now ended.

"We're obviously disappointed. We came here with high hopes, high ambitions and lofty goals, and we've been outplayed across three Test matches. You've got to cop it sweet when you don't quite achieve what you're hoping to.” said England head coach, Brendon McCullum.

He added that England knew the challenge of this series when they came to Australia. It is one of those places where visiting teams have always struggled to win matches, so England were aware of that. However, crumbling so quickly in the series was unexpected and it has caused them a lot of disappointment.

"We knew coming down here that Australia is a very strong team in their own conditions. We thought we would be competitive, and that we would be able to seize some pressure moments, and we haven't been able to do it.” said Brendon McCullum while talking to the reporters.

“With the ball, we've not quite been relentless enough with our accuracy and challenging on the surface in the areas we need to. With the bat we haven't scored enough runs, we haven't quite found the tempo we need to operate at either. And in the field we have let opportunities go." added Brendon McCullum.

The preparation methods of England came under heavy scrutiny during the last few days. Brendon McCullum admitted that he is responsible to answer all those questions, as something might have fallen short in their planning.

"I know that that'll be something that's questioned. When you've lost 3-0, you've got to put your hand up and say, 'maybe I didn't get that preparation right'.” said Brendon McCullum.

"Ultimately you are responsible for how you get your side ready and how you prepare them. I had conviction, we had conviction in our methods in terms of preparation, not just leading into the first Test but also in between Tests.” added Brendon McCullum.

Looking back at the preparation, McCullum now wonders what he could have done differently to achieve better results. The series has now been lost, but this thought has been lingering in his mind ever since the end of the Adelaide test.

“I look back now and think, did we need more leading into the first and did we need less leading into the second? They are the changes over time you look back on and say would I do it differently?” said Brendon McCullum.

Glimpses of Positive Improvement

England’s approach remained deeply flawed from the start of the series. However, the last two days of the Adelaide test offered a glimpse of their capability. McCullum said the team learned plenty of things from their recent performances, which they would like to carry forward into the next test.

"I do feel like the last day-and-a-half, two days, we've probably played our best cricket, and that's because we've just played. I feel like, for the previous nine days, we were so caught up and so driven to achieve something, and succeed, that we almost got in our own way, and we stymied our talent and our skill and our ability.” said Brendon McCullum.

"It's only been the last two days that we've let go and just played, and actually competed, and probably had our best two days of the tour. So there's a lesson in that, and not just for the players. There's a lesson for the coach, and the coaching staff as well. How do you free guys up when the pressure is at its highest, rather than having to wait to these last two days?" added Brendon McCullum.

The head coach then urged the team to free themselves from any pressure. He said it is the only way to perform in the upcoming matches; otherwise, they may again struggle to achieve positive results.

"If we allow the expectation and the pressure … and think, we've lost 3-0, crikey we're going to go down 4-0… then no. But if we get into that state where we just play the game, and just immerse yourself in what needs to be done, and allow your talents come out under pressure situations, then you've got every opportunity.” concluded Brendon McCullum.