England opted for a different style in Test cricket after Brendon McCullum took up the charge as head coach, winning six out of seven Tests at home
28 November, 2022
PHOTO: England Cricket
England head coach Brendon McCullum spoke to the media at the Pindi Cricket Stadium as they started training for the three-match Test series against Pakistan.
The former New Zealand captain is hopeful his side will be fully ready to face Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi on Thursday (December 1).
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England bowlers began preparing in the United Arab Emirates in early-mid November. Much of the squad joined up in Abu Dhabi on November 18 when captain Ben Stokes and others arrived from the T20 World Cup.
After the third day of the warm-up match against England, Lions was scrapped to allow for workloads to be managed, Mark Wood and Harry Brook joined the squad after two weeks off when the entire group arrived in Pakistan on Saturday (November 26).
"Not yet, but we've got a couple of days," McCullum said when asked if England were ready for the series.
"It is nice to be here. We had a great camp in Abu Dhabi and spent some time together as a team trying to build that camaraderie back as a team after a bit of a break.
"We identified during the English summer that is a really important component to how this team is going to operate - a bit of social interaction for the boys but also some hard work.
"Guys are not screwed down yet but we'll get there in the next couple of days."
One of the most interesting subplots around England's first Test tour of Pakistan since 2005 will be whether their aggressive style of play, which bought such success during the summer, can be replicated in alien conditions.
Though McCullum admits England will have to pick their moments during the three Tests he insists the philosophy is central to getting the best out of his players.
"We'll find out I suppose," McCullum responded when asked if England's attacking approach can be successful.
"We'll respect the conditions but if we are given an opportunity to try and play aggressive and attacking cricket then we'll try and take that option.
"It is authentic to the line-up that we have. That's how they play their cricket and what gives them the most freedom and best opportunity to perform at the highest level.
"We know it might not be as prominent aggressive cricket as we've seen in the past but there will be opportunities to try and play positively and when that does arise I expect our guys to take that on."
He added: "We want to try and entertain people and in the time we've got in leadership positions amongst English cricket.
"Test hasn't always been as popular as it used to be in recent history so we see an obligation that if people turn on the TV anywhere around the world or they pay their money to come and watch you play that they head away somewhat entertained.
"For us it's about trying to play that style. We know it is not always going to be successful. What we have seen over a short period of time is it can unlock your skill.
"We can suffocate ourselves but our want or will for results stymie for our talent to come out. If we're trying to put a positive slant on the style of play then it allows the talent to come out. That is what we believe.
"We have had some success in recent history with it. I expect us to still play positively given the opportunities."
England head coach Brendon McCullum's press conference at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.#PAKvENG | #UKSePK https://t.co/TRVDqkdDUm
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 28, 2022
