Big challenges lie ahead for England as Brendon McCullum takes charge of all formats
Test coach in May 2022, he was taken aback by the sheer number of reporters at his first media engagement at Lord’s.McCullum has got used to the increased pressure and expectation in the two-and-a-half years since taking on the England job.promises to be a defining year for the 43-year-old, with his position and England’s results being scrutinised like never before.A new year offers new opportunities for England and McCullum.
Combining both the Test and white-ball jobs will be difficult for McCullum on a personal level as well, with the long breaks back at home in New Zealand between Test series a thing of the past. For this next year, though, what are England and McCullum’s biggest challenges and how are they likely to fare?It starts with Australia in Lahore on 22 February, Afghanistan at the same venue four days later and then the final group match against South Africa in Karachi on 1 March.
Reaching the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy will be the minimum requirement for England but above that seeing whether McCullum and Buttler – close friends off the field – gel will perhaps be the most important takeaway from this tournament.England’s 4-1 series defeat in India at the start of last year was the worst result of the Bazball era.This summer they have a chance to atone for that and prove they are in good shape for the Ashes in Australia that follow.
The series starts in Leeds on 20 June and wraps up in early August, with the final four matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford and The Oval squeezed into five weeks.Both players have been nominated this week for the International Cricket Council’s men’s cricketer of the year award. Brook will need to contribute big runs in at least three of the five Tests. Captain Stokes must be fit enough to at least play some part with the ball.The bowling attack will be key and having the ability to rotate will give the Bazballers the best chance of putting pressure on an ageing Australian team.
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