England's all-format coach, Brendon McCullum, is keen to build on the recent success his team has had in the Test format. Under the former New Zealand captain's leadership, England have won 22 of their 35 Tests, a drastic improvement from when he took over as the coach in the Test format, with just a solitary win from the last 17 Tests. McCullum brought instant success in their approach, making them ultra-aggressive outfits with bat and ball.
However, the 44-year-old is keen to take England to the ultimate prize in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. The Three Lions kick off the new WTC Cycle by playing a five-match Test series against India starting on June 20.
“We're not trying to pick this team up anymore. It's a matter of taking this team from a good team into being something English people are really proud of,” Brendon McCullum told the BBC Radio 5 Live Cricket show.
After the India Test series at home, England travels Down Under to play a five-Test series against archrivals Australia in November 2025. Both series will be vital in deciding where England finishes in the upcoming WTC Cycle. Also, Australia has not lost a Test series at home to England since the 2010/11 Ashes series.
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“We're actually traveling pretty good, but there's an opportunity now," McCullum added. "We're working from a position of strength, but now's the time where we shoot for the stars."
“There's no greater opportunity than playing in big series against the best opposition on the biggest stage under the brightest lights to be able to test that.”
Huge challenge await Brendon McCullum, as England yet to win Test series against India & Australia under his coaching
Incidentally, England is yet to win a Test series against India and Australia under McCullum's coaching. England will also be hugely bolstered by the return of their regular Test skipper, Ben Stokes, who has recovered from a hamstring injury and will return to lead the side against Zimbabwe later this month.
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“He [Stokes] is unbelievably driven, to push himself, to push his teammates, to win at all costs," McCullum said.
“We're very lucky to have him in the chair because he's going to be very strong about trying to push this team to the next level.”
