BREN CAN GET US SMILING AGAIN
New-look England cheers Fraser
NEW coach Brendon Mccullum is being backed to change the culture of the England Test match side and drag it out of the mire. The former New Zealand big-hitter has been hired by the ECB to stop the rot of just one win in 17 matches and ensure the summer is a successful one.
Angus Fraser knows
Mccullum well, having been his managing director at Middlesex, and feels that the
Kiwi’s positive and aggressive philosophy is crucial.
Mccullum, 40, teams up with new captain Ben Stokes, who has an equally attackminded, front-foot approach to cricket.
And Fraser believes there could be exciting and entertaining times ahead for England fans. Mccullum’s first important challenge ironically comes against New Zealand in the opening Test of the summer at Lord’s, starting on June 2.
He has a big task on his hands but former Test bowler and selector Fraser said: “Brendon is a very formidable character and confident person, and he had a very good Test career.
“So while he’s regarded by many as more of a white-ball cricketer, he was a successful red ball one too.
“He was credited with overhauling New
Zealand cricket, which was at a very low point when he was captain.
“He totally changed the culture and obviously set them on the way to where they are now – one of the most highly respected Test and one-day sides in the world.
“The way he played cricket and the image and reputation he has is very strong and good.
“He does play the game in the right way. He plays with a smile on his face and does go out there to try and entertain.
“Eoin Morgan credits a lot of his success with the
England white-ball team to adopting similar principles to Mccullum.”
Fraser also approves of Stokes’ promotion, adding: “Ben Stokes as captain is a good move too.
“But again there’s a little bit of risk with his history. It could be a very interesting summer of cricket.”
JACK
LEACH took eight wickets as Somerset wrapped up their biggest ever County Championship win
over Gloucestershire by an innings and 246 runs. Joe Root scored 147 for Yorkshire in the
Roses match.