Brendon McCullum Warns Against Taking Hasty Decisions On England’s Batting Lineup

Despite facing setbacks in the first two tests, England is still backing its core batting lineup to perform well against Australia in the third test. The head coach of England, Brendon McCullum, is firmly standing by the batting group, saying that any knee-jerk reactions could prove costly for the team.

A lot of cricket experts have called for changes in England’s batting lineup. They have questioned the performance of different players who have played poorly in the first two matches. In response, Brendon McCullum said that the management will back its core players without paying too much attention to external criticism.

"I wouldn't have thought so. From our point of view, we've had a top seven now for a period of time and we've been reasonably successful with it. These conditions should suit the style of batters that we've got as well. We know we haven't got enough runs so far in this series. We've been in positions where we could have and made some mistakes, and that can happen at times.” said England head coach, Brendon McCullum.

He said the management will back the players who have performed well over the past few years. They will not make hasty decisions under pressure, nor will they change their approach to take on the opposition.

"But for us to go on and win this series, it's not about throwing out what has been successful for us over the last few years. It's about having more conviction. It's about making sure we have our plans and our disciplines around it just screwed down a touch more; making sure when we walk out there, we have utter belief in what we are capable of achieving.” said Brendon McCullum.

“Knee-jerk reactions, and chopping and changing settled batting line-ups, is not really our way.” added Brendon McCullum.

The England head coach then admitted that the team has not lived up to the expectations of the fans. However, he will not take that pressure to change the proven tactics of the team. He will back the players to focus on the areas that have brought them success in the past, so that they can play with greater confidence in the field.

"We came with high hopes, and at the moment we are not living up to it. It's not [about] throwing out what's been successful in the past, it's making sure we drill down on a couple of areas where we can be successful, which will give us the best chance.” said Brendon McCullum.

"If we win this game after what's been a long nine days, with lots of different narratives being talked about, if we find a way to be at our best and win this game, then I think things shift about a bit. That's what's in front of us in the coming days: hold the fort and keep moving towards the target.” added Brendon McCullum.

McCullum Accepts England Have Not Played Their Best Cricket

He then admitted that England’s performance has not been up to the mark so far in the series. He added that it is important for the team to identify their mistakes and come up with a better plan to counter Australia in the rest of the series.

"We know we haven't been at our best. You have to admit that. You can't walk away and start pointing fingers elsewhere. [You have to ask] how do you remain tight as a group, and what do you need to do to be successful in the conditions and situation you are coming up against, then get out there and have another go.” said Brendon McCullum.

"You do that, and you give yourself a chance. If you don't, 2-0 can become 5-0 real quick, and that hasn't worked for anyone." added Brendon McCullum.

After facing back-to-back defeats in the ongoing Ashes, Brendon McCullum’s position has also come under scrutiny. However, the coach remains unfazed by media criticism, saying that calls to bring in a new coach do not bother him.

"It doesn't really bother me, to be honest. I certainly don't coach to protect the job; I coach to get the best out of people, and that's the same with the skipper [Stokes].” said Brendon McCullum.

“We'll remain committed to what we're doing in the same way that we do, and we'll keep trying to build the confidence levels within the group to give ourselves the best chance. I firmly believe that if we play our best cricket, we are a massive chance in this Test match. If we do that, then the narrative changes and the series momentum changes.” explained Brendon McCullum.

After taking a much-needed break, England will now return to training sessions ahead of the next test. Brendon McCullum hopes this will benefit the team, which played the last two matches without engaging in any off-field activities.

"I think now the freshness which we're coming into this Test with will hopefully pay off. There's no guarantees, but that's the plan. The boys are excited to get back to training, and look forward to the next few days of prep leading into this Test." concluded Brendon McCullum.