'Things McCullum did for the Test side were phenomenal': Brook
Birmingham, July 15
England white-ball captain Harry Brook has paid an emotional tribute to Brendon McCullum following the New Zealander's departure as England's Test head coach, describing his influence on the team and his own career as 'phenomenal'.
McCullum stepped down from the role after England's recent Test series defeat, bringing an end to a transformative spell that began in 2022. Alongside then-captain Ben Stokes, McCullum oversaw the aggressive 'Bazball' era that revitalised England's Test side, but a string of disappointing results ultimately led to his exit.
Brook, who made his Test breakthrough under McCullum, admitted the news was difficult to take. "It was obviously disappointing for me. I think he's played a massive part in my career. I've only ever played under him, and he's been awesome for me," Brook told reporters after England's six-wicket defeat to India in the opening ODI at Edgbaston.
The 27-year-old credited McCullum for changing the fortunes of England's Test side during his tenure. "The things that he did for the Test side when he first came in, in the last few years, have been phenomenal. He's going to be missed," Brook said.
With Ben Stokes having retired from Test cricket in the New Zealand series, Brook has emerged as one of the leading contenders to take over the vacant captaincy. However, the middle order batter refused to be drawn into the discussion, insisting the decision rests entirely with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
"It's not up to me to make that decision. Whatever decision they make, I'll be fully behind them; I'm enjoying my role as white-ball captain at the minute. I think we're heading in the right direction, and what will be, will be. As I said, it's not for me to make that decision."
Brook is currently leading England's white-ball side against India in the three-match ODI series, with the visitors taking a 1-0 lead after a six-wicket victory in the opening match at Edgbaston.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's always sad when a coach who brought so much energy leaves. I'm an England fan but honestly, the Bazball approach was brilliant until teams like Australia and India figured out how to counter it. McCullum's legacy will be that he made Test cricket exciting again, even if the results didn't always follow.
Harry Brook is such a class act - not pushing for the Test captaincy, just focusing on his white-ball role. That's the maturity you want to see. And honestly, McCullum deserves all the praise - he brought a revolution to English cricket. But as an Indian fan, I'm glad we have Rohit and Rahul Dravid's calm approach too! 😄
Look, McCullum was a game-changer, no doubt. But the criticism is fair - when your "phenomenal" approach starts losing matches, change is inevitable. Brook's loyalty is sweet, but maybe England needs a more balanced style now. India showed the world that you can play positive cricket without being reckless. Just saying.
As a cricket fan from India, I've loved watching Bazball. It was refreshing, bold, and gave us some classic matches. But let's be real - success in Test cricket requires adaptability. McCullum's approach worked wonders initially but couldn't evolve. Brook has a bright future though; he's got that aggressive mindset but also the technique. Hope he becomes England's next Test captain!
Emotional tribute from Brook - you can tell McCullum genuinely mentored these young players. But the ECB needs to think carefully. Appointing Brook as Test captain might be too much responsibility too soon. Let him settle
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