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Englandhead coach of, Brendon McCullumhas issued a stern warning to his side, insisting that they should not display a “glass jaw” as they struggle for survival. ash Campaign.
With losses in Perth and Brisbane, the visitors are 2-0 down with three Tests remaining and the chances of a comeback are closing fast.
The plight is reminiscent of England’s 2023 home series, where they recovered from a similar deficit but were denied an outright win due to persistent rain at Old Trafford.
McCullum is now demanding a sharp response when the series resumes in Adelaide next Wednesday, warning that any sign of weakness could prove fatal.
“You don’t have to feel sorry for yourself if things don’t work out. You have to get up and go again,” McCullum said.
“You come to this country and you have a glass jaw, you don’t have a chance. You have to be strong, tough and you have to get on with it. Ultimately, you can’t afford to panic when you come here.
“This is not a country to doubt yourself or walk away from a challenge. In this sport you don’t have to feel sorry for yourself. I don’t feel sorry for myself.”
McCullum had earlier sparked controversy by suggesting that England had “overtrained” ahead of their challenging Gabba encounter, believing five consecutive net sessions were excessive.
Three practice slots are scheduled for the team AustraliaBut not before a planned break on the Sunshine Coast, especially in Noosa.
Although this period will be devoid of catching practice or in-depth technical analysis, Captain ben stokes Has indicated that there will be important discussions to formulate further strategy.
Hopefully these discussions will resolve selection concerns with the players Ollie Pope, jamie smith, Gus AtkinsonAnd braydon carsey Facing scrutiny on his recent performance.
Wholesale changes are largely impractical given the structure of the 16-man squad, but the management must assess which players are best suited to return.
jacob bethel On standby as a reserve batsman, he recently scored 71 in England Lions’ defeat to Australia A passion tongue And Matthew Potts Act as an extra fast bowler.
Pope, who has spent much of the last year under pressure, was responsible for two disappointing dismissals in Brisbane.
While they could potentially be sacrificed to provide new inspiration, McCullum suggested that such a decision has not been finalized.
“Poppy has been at number three. He has done well. He averages around 40 for us and he is number three for us here in Australia,” he confirmed. “I have stressed that we have the team we have got. There is no point looking elsewhere.
“We’re comfortable with what we’ve got. We’re right here, we have confidence in everybody, and that hasn’t changed. We’ve just got to find ways to get ourselves back into this competition.”
McCullum also extended his support to wicketkeeper Smith, who has averaged 13 in four innings on the tour, dropping one direct catch and taking another.
“Smudge’s game was tough, wasn’t it? This probably highlights how good it is (opposite number) alex carey Was behind the stumps,” he commented.
“He is a talented player and he likes to play the game in a simple way but he works very hard on his game. He also has courage and conviction.”
“It doesn’t guarantee everything, but I’m sure he will appreciate the conditions in Adelaide with the boundary size and the pitch.”