England head coach Brendon McCullum has insisted there will be no major shift in the team’s approach for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, despite back-to-back defeats that have left Australia 2-0 up in the series. Instead, McCullum is banking on improved execution and conditions he believes will better suit England’s attacking style.
The New Zealander has faced criticism after England were beaten inside two days in Perth and by a dominant Australian side in Brisbane. With another loss in Adelaide potentially ending England’s Ashes hopes and opening the door to a 5-0 whitewash, pressure is mounting on the tourists.
McCullum, however, remained defiant, stressing that England arrived in Australia with a clear plan and strong belief. He acknowledged that his side had failed to execute key moments, allowing Australia to seize control, but said that was no reason to abandon their philosophy.
“We just need to chisel away at some of the things we haven’t got quite right and make sure we still have that conviction,” McCullum said, adding that Adelaide’s conditions should be more conducive to England’s preferred brand of cricket.
Despite struggles from several batters, McCullum also played down the likelihood of wholesale changes to the line-up, signalling trust in his players as England look to revive their Ashes campaign when the third Test begins on Wednesday.
