England's McCullum Selects Raw Talent Hull for Test Debut

England’s McCullum Selects Raw Talent Hull for Test Debut

Brendon McCullum’s bold selection of 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull for England’s Test debut against Sri Lanka has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. McCullum’s decision is a clear indication of his determination to break away from traditional English conventions and invest in players with high potential.

Hull, who has only taken two first-class wickets this season, is a raw talent with an impressive physique and a bowling speed ranging from 80 to 90 miles per hour. McCullum believes that Hull’s potential outweighs his lack of experience, and that he can provide England with a valuable weapon in various conditions.

The selection of Hull also raises questions about the future of England’s more established bowlers, such as Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, and Ben Foakes. These players, who were once considered the bedrock of the team, now seem to be out of favor with McCullum and Ben Stokes.

McCullum’s approach is a departure from the traditional English style of play, which has often favored experienced and reliable players. However, McCullum believes that England need to adapt to the modern game and recruit players who can challenge teams in all conditions.

The selection of Hull is a gamble, but it is a gamble that McCullum is willing to take. He believes that Hull has the potential to be a key player for England in the future, and that his selection will help the team to become more rounded and competitive.

Sri Lanka's Batting Woes Continue, De Silva Emphasizes Top-Order Runs

Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes Continue, De Silva Emphasizes Top-Order Runs

Sri Lanka’s batting woes have been a persistent issue throughout the ongoing Test series against England. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva has emphasized the crucial need for top-order runs, highlighting the team’s inability to reach 350 or have any of their top seven batsmen score a century.

In the first Test, Sri Lanka collapsed to 72 for 5 in the first innings, while in the second Test, they were dismissed for 83 for 5. De Silva believes these early setbacks have been detrimental to their chances of victory.

“Our batters have to score runs, and that’s the biggest issue we’ve had,” de Silva said. “Those who got starts didn’t turn them into hundreds and 150s. If you look at Joe Root on their side, he’s consistently made runs and it’s around him that others made runs. That’s what someone on our side needs to do as well, so we can get to 300 or 350. First-innings runs are what’s crucial to victory.”

Kamindu Mendis has been the only Sri Lankan batsman to make significant contributions on tour, scoring 113 in Manchester and 74 at Lord’s. Despite his impressive form, de Silva has opted to keep him at No. 7 in the batting order.

“I think if Kamindu plays well down there there’s no reason to change what he’s doing and put him in trouble,” de Silva explained. “If he’s scoring there, it’s good for his career as well. In the future, maybe we will talk to him, about his plans as well and see what changes we can make. But right now we’re thinking of him as a No. 7.”

The rest of the Sri Lankan batting order has struggled against England’s seamers, with de Silva attributing this to their discipline and control.

“They [England] have a lot of control in addition to their experience,” de Silva said. “They have great control of line and length and we don’t get many loose balls in England. We need to be prepared for that and our plans have to take that into account. That’s just what you get in England. In the two previous matches they didn’t let us execute our plans. That’s why they were successful.”

Joe Root’s exceptional batting has also contributed to Sri Lanka’s 2-0 deficit in the series. De Silva hopes that his team has devised a plan to surprise Root in the upcoming match.

“It’s not that our plans against him didn’t work – he just very quickly recognised what we were trying to do and countered it,” de Silva said. “That’s what world class players do, and that’s why he scored runs. We’ve hopefully come up with something now that he won’t expect.”

McCullum Aims to Revive England's White-Ball Team by Uplifting Buttler

McCullum Aims to Revive England’s White-Ball Team by Uplifting Buttler

Brendon McCullum, the newly appointed all-format head coach of England’s cricket team, has identified the need to revitalize the white-ball team by uplifting the spirits of captain Jos Buttler. McCullum believes that Buttler’s recent struggles with form and tactical errors have taken a toll on his demeanor, leading to a more negative disposition on and off the field.

McCullum, who has observed England’s decline from afar, believes that Buttler’s leadership is crucial to the team’s success. He aims to create an environment where players feel confident and supported, with Buttler providing the necessary encouragement and guidance. McCullum’s close friendship with Buttler, despite never having played alongside him, is seen as a key factor in fostering this positive atmosphere.

The former New Zealand captain is confident in his ability to help Buttler rediscover his former self, recognizing his exceptional talent and leadership qualities. McCullum believes that the final stages of Buttler’s career can be the most fulfilling, with the opportunity to enjoy the game and inspire his teammates.

McCullum also addressed the availability of Test captain Ben Stokes for limited-overs cricket. While Stokes has expressed his desire to focus on Test captaincy, McCullum hopes to persuade him to continue playing in white-ball formats. He believes that Stokes’ experience and leadership are invaluable, especially in major events and big series.

The coach emphasized the importance of managing player workloads, acknowledging that not all players can participate in every series. However, he stressed that the best players will be considered for major tournaments and high-profile matches.

England Aim for Summer Sweep as Sri Lanka Seek Redemption at The Oval

England Aim for Summer Sweep as Sri Lanka Seek Redemption at The Oval

England and Sri Lanka will face off in the final Test of the summer at The Oval, the traditional venue for the season’s finale. Despite the limited challenge posed by Sri Lanka, England has dominated the series, aiming to complete a first summer sweep since 2004.

Gus Atkinson has emerged as a star for England, taking 33 wickets in five appearances, while Jamie Smith has solidified his position as wicketkeeper. The hosts have also handed a debut to 6ft 7in left-armer Josh Hull, who impressed in the series warm-up.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has struggled to live up to expectations. Despite flashes of resistance from Asitha Fernando and Kamindu Mendis, two first-innings collapses have left them with too much to do. Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to bowl at Lord’s also backfired, putting an inexperienced bowling attack under pressure.

The Oval Test will be a chance for Ollie Pope to improve his average as Test captain, while Sri Lanka will be determined to avoid a whitewash. The pitch is expected to favor pace, with Sri Lanka opting for a four-man pace attack.

Gus Atkinson Makes Unprecedented Impact in Debut Test Summer for England

Gus Atkinson Makes Unprecedented Impact in Debut Test Summer for England

England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has hailed the remarkable impact made by Gus Atkinson in his debut Test summer. Atkinson, a fast bowler, has taken 30 wickets and scored a maiden Test century at Lord’s, earning him the Player of the Series award against West Indies.

Stokes believes Atkinson’s success is a testament to his talent and the team’s belief in him. “I earmarked him as someone I thought could be successful at Test cricket on the India tour even though he didn’t play a game,” Stokes said. “I watched him train for basically two months, and he bowls at a high pace and is a very skillful bowler.”

Atkinson’s batting ability has also impressed Stokes. “Seeing him bat before, I knew he had potential, and that 100 he got at Lord’s, to say I wasn’t surprised is a bit of an overstatement, but I have always known he has talent with the bat,” Stokes said.

Stokes believes Atkinson’s success is a result of the team’s encouragement to express himself. “If you see someone with a bit of talent, with the skillset and armoury he has as a player, and tell them to go out and express themselves and be who they want to be, it is amazing what results you can get from that,” Stokes said.

England are looking to complete a clean sweep of their Test matches this summer when they face Sri Lanka in the final match of their series starting at The Oval on Friday. Stokes, who is recuperating from a hamstring injury, believes the side has it in them to complete a winning clean sweep.

“It would be great to finish off the summer with another win and say we have won all six games we have had this summer,” Stokes said. “A summer of Test cricket is hard, six games is a lot. We feel like we have been pretty compact and there hasn’t been too much break between the games.”

“Winning six Test matches in one summer is no mean feat, so it would be great to finish off the summer in the last match against Sri Lanka with a win,” Stokes concluded.

Brendon McCullum Embraces White-Ball Challenge, Extends England Contract

Brendon McCullum Embraces White-Ball Challenge, Extends England Contract

Brendon McCullum, the architect of England’s Test resurgence, has embraced the challenge of leading the white-ball teams as well, extending his contract until 2027. The New Zealander, who has instilled an aggressive “Bazball” approach in the Test setup, aims to replicate the success in limited-overs cricket.

McCullum’s appointment as white-ball coach aligns with a tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in January. He replaces Matthew Mott, who was dismissed after England’s disappointing performances in defending their World Cup titles.

The 42-year-old McCullum acknowledged the increased workload but expressed his willingness to be judged by results. “It’s going to be an added workload, but some bets are worth it,” he said. “I’m happy to be governed by results and be in the gun if things don’t work out.”

McCullum’s decision to expand his responsibilities was influenced by his growing knowledge of English cricket and the talent available. “A couple of years ago, I didn’t have a whole lot of knowledge about English cricket,” he said. “But fast forward two years and I’ve had a great time, I absolutely love being in the position I am in.”

England’s packed schedule, including a T20 series against Australia just 24 hours after the third Test against Sri Lanka, necessitated the split coaching responsibilities. Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the Australia series.

However, McCullum believes the workload will ease in the lead-up to the next T20 World Cup in 2026 and the 50-over World Cup in 2027. “I think if we look at the schedule, it is easing,” he said. “Now with it easing — I say slightly — it can have one person in the role.”

McCullum emphasized the importance of player and support staff management to ensure the success of the combined coaching role. “We’ll have to be smart with stepping (down) players and support staff, including myself, but I don’t see it being a problem,” he said.

Jos Buttler Ruled Out of England's T20I Series Against Australia

Jos Buttler Ruled Out of England’s T20I Series Against Australia

Jos Buttler’s injury woes continue as he has been ruled out of England’s T20I series against Australia and could potentially miss the subsequent ODI series. The setback in his recovery from a right calf injury has cast a shadow over England’s transition towards a younger core under new coach Brendon McCullum.

Buttler, England’s limited-overs captain, sustained the injury in July while preparing for the Hundred. He had hoped to make his comeback in Lancashire’s Vitality Blast quarter-final on Wednesday, but the aggravation of the injury has put his participation in the rest of the summer in jeopardy.

Phil Salt, who has limited captaincy experience, will assume the captaincy duties for the T20I series and is also expected to keep wicket. Harry Brook, Ollie Pope’s vice-captain during England’s Test series against Sri Lanka, is set to lead the ODI leg of Australia’s tour.

Jamie Overton has been called up as a replacement in the T20I squad, while Jordan Cox has been added to the ODI squad as cover. England remain hopeful that Buttler can play some part in the ODI series, but his absence would be a significant blow as they look to rejuvenate the team after disappointing World Cup campaigns.

This setback is particularly concerning for Buttler, who has now suffered three calf injuries in the past four years. As he approaches his 34th birthday, his future as captain and his longevity as an international cricketer may depend on giving up wicketkeeping duties to preserve his body.

Matthew Mott Joins Sydney Sixers as Assistant Coach

Matthew Mott Joins Sydney Sixers as Assistant Coach

Matthew Mott, the former head coach of the England Men’s white-ball team, has joined the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) as an assistant coach on a three-year deal. Mott’s appointment comes after his departure from the England setup following their semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Mott, who previously coached Australia Women for eight years, will reunite with Greg Shipperd at the Sixers, replacing Cameron White, who was appointed head coach of the Melbourne Renegades earlier this year.

“I’m delighted to join back up with the Sydney Sixers,” Mott said. “Having started my coaching journey in Sydney many years ago, it’s a place that evokes both great memories and a comforting sense of familiarity, which I’m looking forward to.”

Mott’s spell as England’s white-ball coach began with a triumph at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but ended after a disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup and a semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Prior to his time with England, Mott coached the New South Wales men’s side from 2007. His return to the state’s system will see him reunite with Rachael Haynes, who was a key member of the Australia Women’s team he coached to numerous successes.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Motty committed for the next three years with the club,” said Haynes, Sixers’ general manager. “When the opportunity arises to bring a coach of Motty’s calibre into your ranks, it’s a no-brainer.”

“His coaching resume speaks for itself. He has an incredible track-record of success around the world, and he’s proven he knows what it takes to build, and sustain, a winning culture.”

In the recent BBL draft, the Sixers retained James Vince and surprised many by selecting Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan as their last pick. They had previously secured West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Brendon McCullum Appointed England Head Coach Across All Formats

Brendon McCullum Appointed England Head Coach Across All Formats

Brendon McCullum’s transformative impact on England’s Test team has earned him an expanded role as head coach across all formats. The former New Zealand captain has been credited with instilling a fearless, attacking brand of cricket, dubbed “Bazball,” leading England to a remarkable turnaround in Test cricket.

Since taking over a struggling Test side in May 2022, McCullum has guided England to 19 victories in 28 matches, a stark contrast to the team’s previous struggles. His appointment as head coach across all formats signals England’s commitment to his leadership and their belief in his ability to replicate the Test team’s success in limited-overs cricket.

McCullum’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for England’s white-ball teams, who have experienced recent setbacks, including surrendering both the 50-over and 20-over World Cup titles in the past year. The hope is that his positive influence and aggressive approach can revitalize these teams and propel them back to the top of the international game.

Stand-in Test captain Ollie Pope praised McCullum’s impact, highlighting his ability to inspire confidence and encourage players to perform at their best. “We’ve seen the impact he’s had on us as a Test team and as individuals, which I think he can then transfer into the white-ball stuff as well,” Pope said.

England’s decision to hand Josh Hull his Test debut in the final match against Sri Lanka further underlines their commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining the winning momentum established under McCullum’s guidance. A series victory would mark the first time since 2004 that England has achieved a clean sweep of home Test wins, a testament to the team’s remarkable transformation and a positive sign for the future of English cricket under McCullum’s leadership.

Brendon McCullum Appointed as England's Unified Head Coach for Test and White-Ball Teams

Brendon McCullum Appointed as England’s Unified Head Coach for Test and White-Ball Teams

Brendon McCullum, the current England Test coach, has been appointed as the new men’s white-ball head coach, marking a significant shift in the ECB’s coaching structure. This strategic restructure will see McCullum oversee both the Test and white-ball teams, a move that has been met with widespread praise.

McCullum’s three-year contract extension will see him guide England’s white-ball fortunes until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, while also leading the Test squad through the 2027 Ashes campaign. This unified approach aims to create a cohesive coaching structure and foster a consistent playing style across all formats.

The appointment comes after the sacking of Matthew Mott as white-ball head coach in July, following England’s disappointing performances in the 50-over and 20-over World Cups. McCullum’s success as Test coach, particularly his implementation of the “Bazball” mentality, has made him a highly sought-after coach.

Despite initially expressing reluctance for the white-ball role, McCullum has now embraced the challenge, eager to extend his ethos of aggressive and fearless cricket to the limited-overs formats. He will work closely with white-ball captain Jos Buttler to build on the team’s existing strengths and navigate the upcoming generational shift.

McCullum’s appointment as both Test and white-ball coach is a first for England since Chris Silverwood. While the demanding schedule has previously made it difficult to combine both roles, the ECB believes that the easing of fixtures from 2025 onwards will allow McCullum to effectively manage both responsibilities.

The unified coaching structure is expected to benefit young players like Harry Brook and Gus Atkinson, who have the potential to excel in both formats. It will also provide a clearer pathway for emerging players to transition from white-ball to Test cricket.

McCullum’s vision for English cricket aligns with the ECB’s goal of creating a thriving environment where players can reach their full potential. He aims to foster a culture of excellence and competitiveness across all formats, ensuring that England remains a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart