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Joe Root Hails Brendon McCullum as "One of the Best Coaches" Despite Ashes Loss

Joe Root has publicly supported England head coach Brendon McCullum, calling him one of the best coaches he has ever worked with despite England's heavy Ashes defeat. Root credits McCullum for a massive improvement in his own batting performance since the coach's appointment in 2022. His comments come after an all-round performance helped England level the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The final match of the series will be played in Colombo on January 27.

Key Points: Joe Root Praises Coach Brendon McCullum After England Win

  • Root backs McCullum despite Ashes pressure
  • Credits coach for tenfold batting improvement
  • Root's all-round performance secures ODI win
  • England levels ODI series against Sri Lanka 1-1
2 min read

"One of the best coaches I've ever worked with": Joe Root hails England's head coach Brendon McCullum

Joe Root calls Brendon McCullum one of his best coaches, backing him after the Ashes defeat and crediting him for his own batting improvement.

"I think Baz is one of the best coaches I've ever worked with. - Joe Root"

Colombo, January 25

Joe Root praised England's head coach Brendon McCullum as one of the best coaches he's worked with, despite England's disappointing outing in the recently concluded Ashes earlier this month.

Root remained optimistic about the team's future, citing exciting potential in the group, after England's win in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. Root joins Harry Brook and Ben Stokes in backing McCullum, whose position has been under severe pressure following England's heavy defeat in the Ashes. England lost the Ashes series 4-1 against Australia.

"I think Baz is one of the best coaches I've ever worked with. Obviously, we're disappointed with the way things went out in Australia, but I still think there's a lot more really exciting things to come from this group," Joe Root said after England's win in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Root cited McCullum's impact on his own batting performances, stating, "If you look at my own personal game, the time that he's been the coach, it's improved tenfold."

Since McCullum took over as England's Test coach in 2022, Root has been on a roll, scoring 16 centuries in 46 Tests. This impressive streak has cemented his position as one of the world's top batters.

"Obviously, it's more fun when you win. But I'm still having the best time of my life. I get to turn up and do the thing that I love every day with a great group of people, some brilliant minds and some experts that you can constantly keep improving and developing under," he added.

Root's brilliant all-round performance helped England defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.

While chasing 220 on a difficult track, Root made an outstanding 75 off 90 balls, including five fours. With the ball, he scalped two wickets, removing Asitha Fernando (0) and Dunith Wellalage (20).

With this win, the Three Lions levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1. The third and final ODI will be played at the very same stadium in Colombo on January 27.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an England fan living in Mumbai, this is heartening to read. The Ashes loss was brutal, but you can't throw the baby out with the bathwater. McCullum's philosophy has transformed the team's mindset. Root's batting numbers speak for themselves!
A
Arjun K
Respect for Root's loyalty, but let's be real. A 4-1 Ashes defeat at home is a massive failure for any coach. The "BazBall" approach looks great when it works, but seems reckless when it doesn't. Maybe they need a bit more of the traditional, gritty Test match temperament that teams like India often show.
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Priyanka N
Interesting to see this perspective. In India, we often see coaches get all the blame after a big series loss. This public support from the senior pro is refreshing. A coach's real test is how he helps players improve individually, and Root's stats prove McCullum has done that for him.
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Vikram M
Root scoring 16 centuries in 46 Tests under McCullum is a staggering stat. Whatever the team results, if a world-class player is improving that much, the coach is doing something right. Hope the England management shows patience. We need strong teams for a competitive World Test Championship.
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Karan T
Good win in Colombo to level the series! Root showing his all-round value. The comment about "having the best time of his life" is key. A happy, confident player is a dangerous player. England should stick with Baz, at least until the next India tour! 😉

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