Brendon McCullum’s appointment as England’s Test coach was hailed as a breath of fresh air following the team’s disastrous 2021-22 Ashes series. Rob Key, the newly appointed director of men’s cricket, correctly diagnosed that the team, despite being talented, had suffered from a joyless, monotonous cycle of fixtures exacerbated by the pandemic. Key recognized the need for a revitalizing force, which came in the form of McCullum a coach whose style is based on relentless positivity and an aggressive approach to the game, complementing Ben Stokes’ captaincy.
Under McCullum’s guidance, England’s Test side underwent a transformation. Their approach, known as “Bazball,” has become a symbol of their newfound aggression. While they fell short in the 2023 Ashes and missed out on the World Test Championship due to tactical errors like bowling too slowly, the overall record of 22 wins and 12 losses since McCullum’s arrival is a remarkable improvement, rivaled only by Australia.
However, as England’s white-ball team faces yet another early exit from a global event their third consecutive group-stage elimination in the last 18 months the question arises: Can McCullum’s winning formula work across all formats? There are clear differences in the challenges faced by England’s Test and white-ball teams, and it’s uncertain whether McCullum’s positive, aggressive approach will be the remedy for their one-day woes.
The recent eight-run defeat to Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, a game that sealed England’s exit, was particularly revealing. While Afghanistan’s tactical flexibility and varied bowling attack, including both wrist-spin and seam options, were key to their victory, England’s bowling attack lacked that variety. Adil Rashid, the lone frontline spinner, was left with little support, and their right-arm pace attack failed to make the necessary impact. McCullum’s strategy of blasting teams out in the subcontinent, where pitches favor spin and patience, hasn’t translated well, as evidenced by England’s struggles in the middle overs.
In addition to these bowling concerns, the lack of balance in the squad has been highlighted as a major issue. England’s batting line-up, while full of talent, lacks the depth to withstand the pressures of a 50-over format in conditions that demand both aggression and careful pacing. The absence of a genuine all-rounder, such as the injured Mark Wood, only adds to the team’s difficulties. Liam Livingstone, widely seen as the closest thing to an all-rounder in the current squad, has yet to contribute meaningfully with the bat across any global tournament. This lack of balance has been further exacerbated by a coaching strategy that has encouraged batter-heavy teams and part-time spin options, which, while promising in the T20 format, are ill-suited for 50-over cricket.
Moreover, England’s struggles are not just about tactics but also structural issues. With the Hundred dominating the domestic landscape, there is insufficient exposure to 50-over cricket for the next generation of players. The absence of a comprehensive 50-over competition between domestic players is leaving the team’s younger talent ill-prepared for international challenges. This lack of domestic exposure, combined with an over-reliance on T20 tactics, is stalling the development of a balanced white-ball team.
The road ahead is not simple. McCullum’s influence will need to evolve to address the distinct challenges of the 50-over game. More 50-over Lions cricket, both at home and abroad, could help bridge this gap. The captaincy, too, will need a shift, as Jos Buttler, despite being popular among his teammates, has struggled both with the bat and in his leadership role. At 34, Buttler may no longer be the right fit for the long-term vision of the team.
As England confronts these challenges, it’s clear that McCullum’s aggressive, high-energy coaching style has transformed their Test team but may require significant adjustments for success in the one-day game. Whether or not he can spark similar success in all formats remains to be seen, but it is clear that major changes are needed if England are to return to the summit of world cricket in all formats.
