SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR ENGLAND
McCullum insists his men can be the world’s No.1 Test team
BRENDON McCULLUM is confident England have the talent to be the No.1 Test side in the world.
And he believes the rise up the rankings can begin with victory over his Kiwi countrymen in his first series in charge. McCullum (left), who took New Zealand to the top of the pile in his time as skipper, was at Lord’s yesterday for the first time since landing his new job as Test head coach. And as he surveyed the scene for the first match next week, there was little doubt on the direction of travel. “Getting to No.1 in the world is what we’re here to do,” he said. “It is going to take some time, but it can be done.
“I might be slightly naive but I look at the players and talent around English cricket, and not just the talent in the team but on the periphery as well. “There is a lot there. We were able to do it with New Zealand with a lot less resources than this so if we can get things going then we are in with a good chance of doing it with England. “I’m excited to meet this challenge starting next week. “New Zealand are a good cricket team, but if we play properly we will give ourselves a good chance of success. “I want people to look at England and see a side that is not just successful but plays a good brand of cricket and look like role models as well.”
McCullum has already inspired a white-ball revolution in the English game, by smacking a 25-ball 77 at the 2015 World Cup to humiliate the 50-over team.
That defeat led to Eoin Morgan following his Kiwi mate’s blueprint for success. Now McCullum wants to alter mindsets rather than techniques on the Test stage.
The 40-year-old is in no doubt that it is a fear of failure that so often paralyses English talent.
“My first job is to try to bring a real fresh kind of approach and a relaxed kind of style that simplifies things somewhat,” he added.
“It’s not about finding someone who’s got a better cover drive or a better hook shot, it’s just about allowing the guys to be able to make good decisions because they’re in a clear frame of mind and in a positive environment.
“Everyone’s got a fear of failure to a degree but it’s probably just a little more obvious with England.
“I’m trying to bring about a freedom of mindset, strip away some of the noise that comes with playing at this level. If you do that then talent comes to the fore.”
One player McCullum hopes to be able to bring the best out of is Ollie Pope, who will bat at three for the first time in Test cricket despite struggling for consistency.
“All the guys in the side talk about how good a player Ollie is, and what his potential is,” he said.