Brendon McCullum responds to claims of ‘alcohol-fuelled’ Ashes tour which resulted in England’s 4-1 defeat in Australia. He defended the England players and said that the real picture is quite different from the picture that has emerged recently.
England lost the Ashes to Australia by a humiliating 4–1 margin as the Australians continued their dominance in the huge rivalry. However, what humiliated England was not the defeat but the fact that the matches looked one-sided, before Australia won it with some performance.
Furthermore, when England lost the series, the main reason given for the defeat was the lack of discipline within the English camp. Throughout his Australian tour, Brendon McCullum’s strategies remained under close scrutiny, as at times England were seen skipping practice matches, while at other times they were partying and holidaying after consecutive defeats.
“To be honest, half of our people don’t drink” – Brendon McCullum
Both England and the ECB were jeered after the defeat in Adelaide, ending England’s fighting hopes as they lost the series with their third consecutive defeat at the Adelaide Oval. However, England players holidayed in Noosa during the period between the second Test at the Gabba and the third Test in Adelaide.
England players were seen drinking together during the break, while Ben Duckett was captured on camera getting drunk with Jacob Bethell, who was seen dancing with an unknown woman. Brendon McCullum denied such claims of irregularities, despite acknowledging the fact that the team was on leave.
McCullum was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “To be honest, half our people don’t drink alcohol. They’ll have a beer or two occasionally. I think people do in most walks of life.”
Brendon McCullum declares Noosa break “very important”
According to McCullum, the dynamic coach, the team culture should not be scrutinized as the Noosa mid-series break was planned much earlier and was deemed absolutely necessary for the English players.
McCullum also claimed that England had lost the pink-ball Test at the Gabba due to over-preparation and hence were not fresh enough to take on the Australian team.
He then further claimed that cricket is a very demanding sport in the region, and due to the number of fans coming with huge expectations, players are often under immense pressure; Therefore, such refreshments are important when going out. But he did not believe that any player works excessively.
“These are young guys playing a high-pressure sport, there’s an opportunity for us to guide and nurture them as they become fully grown individuals who are dealing with some high pressure,” he said.
“Maybe someone is better,” Brendon McCullum refuses to compromise
Amid much speculation over Brendon McCullum’s removal as England head coach and questions swirling over the end of the baseball era, McCullum has made his stance clear through a statement: “There is probably a better person for the position” if he is not allowed to implement his plans.
He clearly indicated that he is ready to remain the head coach for England and is open to change, but the changes should be in accordance with his own strategies. In short, McCullum has made it clear that he will not implement anyone else’s plans.
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