England's Bazball Image Takes a Hit, McCullum Remains Hopeful for Team's Future
Despite Series Loss to India, McCullum Confident in Team's Aggressive Cricket Approach
India has handed England their first series defeat since Brendon "Baz" McCullum became head coach, denting England's Bazball reputation, but the former captain of New Zealand remains optimistic about his team's aggressive style of cricket.
There are moments in games when we haven't perfected our technique yet. In an interview with UK media, McCullum said, "We've lost here, we didn't win the Ashes (2-2), but we're a better team than we were eighteen months ago, and we've got an opportunity in the next eighteen months to do some special shit."
"We'll continue to grind down those jagged edges. "It's a good moment to be the England team's coach," he said.
When the sides play one other in the final game of the series in Dharamsala, senior batsman Jonny Bairstow will be playing in his 100th Test. Although Bairstow hasn't enjoyed himself much in the series so far, coach McCullum thinks he's ready to take center stage in the final Test, which kicks off on March 7. McCullum said, "It will be very emotional for him (Bairstow)."
"Everyone is aware of Jonny's tale. He may be a very sentimental guy at times, thus significant anniversaries are quite important to him. He seemed taller, had a stronger presence, and possessed the authentic Jonny Bairstow swagger throughout the Ranchi match. You get the impression that he is always around when he has it.
With a combined total of 32 wickets in the first four Tests, youthful spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir have surpassed expectations, and McCullum was full of praise for both.
We would be a little miffed if they weren't given chances at the county level. There is a very good chance that this is the case.
"However, since counties have their own goals as well, I don't want to dictate to them, but I think you'd be a little crazy if you didn't give them more opportunities in county cricket."
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