McCullum Admits Preparation Concerns After England’s Ashes Setback

SYDNEY: England cricket team head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that questions being raised about the team’s preparations are completely valid following defeats in the first three Test matches of the Ashes series.

After losing the Adelaide Test by 82 runs, Australia secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, despite two matches still remaining.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, McCullum said Australia outplayed England comprehensively in batting, bowling, and fielding. He described the Australian side as the most organized, consistent, and dangerous team he has seen in recent years.

McCullum acknowledged that England failed to handle pressure in key moments. “We came here with big dreams and high ambitions, but across the three Test matches we haven’t performed to our potential. We have to accept that we fell short,” he said.

On the final day of the Adelaide Test, England showed improved resistance while chasing a record target of 435 runs. After being 194 for 6, the team managed to reach 352, their highest total of the tour so far. However, no batter managed to score a century, something McCullum described as disappointing.

The England coach said the team played its best cricket during the final one-and-a-half to two days of the match, but by then the series was already out of reach. He noted that excessive pressure and expectations prevented players from expressing their natural game.

McCullum also conceded that mistakes may have been made in preparation before the opening Tests. He said he takes responsibility as head coach and admitted that more match practice before the first Test may have helped, while less preparation ahead of the second Test might have been better.

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Looking ahead, McCullum said England will play the Boxing Day Test for pride. “We still have an opportunity to learn, play with pride, and perform better for our supporters,” he said.

He added that if England can free itself from pressure and focus solely on playing cricket, improved results could follow in the remaining matches.