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Cricket News: 2-2 was a great result – Brendon McCullum | Brendon McCullum reviews the 2023 Ashes series

England head coach Brendon McCullum is pleased with the final 2023 Ashes result after the home side salvaged a 2-2 draw after losing the first couple of games at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

The Three Lions came within touching distance of levelling the series in the fourth game at Old Trafford before only one session was possible across the final two days. However, the Kiwi was satisfied with the eventual outcome of a tightly-contested battle for the urn, which was retained by Australia on account of having won the previous Ashes in 2021-22.

“The whole last two months has been an awesome ride, we went two-nil down in the series, which put us under a little bit of pressure, but to respond the way we did, I was proud of all the boys and the way the skipper (Ben Stokes) was able to hold the fort for everyone when were under pressure,” McCullum said whilst speaking on the SENZ Breakfast show.

“In the end, 2-2 was a great result and we were pleased with what we were able to serve up, particularly in the latter part of the series.”

We blocked out external noise well – Brendon McCullum

McCullum laid a lot of importance on being on the same page as Stokes and blocking any external noise that could disrupt the rhythm or their momentum. He maintained that both his and Stokes’ thought process aligned even after the defeats in the first two matches. Interestingly, he mentioned that their confidence levels boosted after realising that they could go toe-to-toe with Australia, especially after the visitors were close to gaining an unassailable lead in the third encounter.

“From our side of things, we were just trying to make sure our messaging was consistent with what we started out with. The skipper and I are very aligned with how we like to go about things and that didn’t change right throughout. But I think if anything, our confidence levels rose knowing that we were capable of going toe-to-toe with Australia,” McCullum quipped.

The former New Zealand captain maintained that the English team separated themselves from any external noise as they went about doing their business during the series. He clarified that the squad and support staff were best-placed to assess the rights and wrongs, and hence they backed the team to get things in order after disappointing losses in the opening two Tests.

“Any messaging should come from within, rather than from those on the outside. We get the benefit of watching these guys work day in and day out – therefore, if they want any feedback we’re in the best place to give it,” McCullum signed off.