"There is no doubt that McCullum meant what he said on Sunday, however, repeating it in various ways to multiple outlets as he and Ben Stokes surveyed the wreckage. On one level you almost have to admire his commitment to the bit. As much as McCullum claims to block out external noise, he will have been all too aware of an England side that has become increasingly characterised as freewheeling and underprepared; unwilling to do the hard yards,"
"As much as McCullum claims to block out external noise, he will have been all too aware of an England side that has become increasingly characterised as freewheeling and underprepared; unwilling to do the hard yards, unless that yardage relates to the fairways of the nearest golf course. The reality, as ever, is not so simple. England play as much golf during their necessary down time as their opponents and they train just as much."
Brendon McCullum rejected the term Bazball as reductive and foresaw potential weaponisation. England sit 2-0 down in the away Ashes after a poor Gabba performance. McCullum publicly claimed England trained too hard before the day-night match, which drew criticism and ridicule in Australia. He repeatedly defended his comments alongside captain Ben Stokes while assessing the defeat. Critics portray the side as freewheeling and underprepared, prioritising leisure like golf. Records show England trained as much if not more than Australia before the Gabba, with five practice days versus Australia's three to adjust to the pink ball.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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