Brendon McCullum has committed himself to take England Down Under for what will be ‘another cracker’ of a heavyweight Ashes series with the template now set.
McCullum hailed his side for going toe-to-toe with a ‘great Australian team’ and staying true to their philosophy with no regrets as their contest played out over the last six weeks. And even though he wishes he could play the next five-match series immediately, he has vowed to stick around and rattle the Aussie cage in their own backyard.
“I don’t want it to end actually,” said McCullum. “I think we should go round again and have another five Tests and keep doing what we’re doing. The next series is a little way away and there are certainly different challenges to cross before then but I’d imagine again it could be another cracking series when the time comes.
“There will be some new faces, there’s no doubt, in two-and-a-half years, for both sides, but we’ll enjoy what we’ve done here. We look at the growth of the team in the last 14-15 months as being quite significant.
“You look back when the skipper took over and the question was, would we be able to take on a great Australian team – and they are a great Australian team – and go toe to toe with them? I think the answer is yes and that’s a tremendous confidence booster for the group
Cricket fans baffled by “most stupid rule in any sport” after Big Bash wicket
“It is also testament to the investment to all the guys who have really gone quids in with their belief in this side and the direction the skipper wants it to head. I think both sides have stayed true to their styles and that’s what makes a great heavyweight fight.
“It’s two different styles and total conviction in them.” McCullum reckons the way England have played has been vindicated by the way the series panned out at 2-2 on the field, but also with people inspired off it.
England coach Brendon McCullum is already looking forward to the next Ashes series (Gareth Copley - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)And he is hoping that it isn’t just the kids in the stands who have worked out how England now play, but the next cabs off the rank are also clear in their minds how they can take things forward if they get their chance.
“What you’re trying to do is not only inspire the next generation but the layer underneath the top team to be able to understand how we’re going to play,” added McCullum. “Work out in their own heads where they fit within that and then try and force a place.
“That’s what you’re trying to achieve and naturally places do come up when guys come to the end of their careers. So there will be opportunities there and we’re starting to build some nice depth in batting and bowling as well so that’s encouraging and will pose some good conversations moving forward too.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
