"You've got to block out the doubts and the insecurities that can creep in, said the head coach, because if that does happen then you literally have no chance. The speed at which the game unravelled has left the team with some unexpected time off though a few of those who were not required at Perth Stadium spent their Sunday playing for the Lions against an Australia XI at Lilac Hill."
"There are times we don't quite get it right, but we've just got to believe in what we believe in, because we know it gives us the best chance, McCullum said. Just because we're 1-0 down doesn't change what we believe in. We've just got make sure we stay calm, stay together, and we start plotting and planning how we're going to bounce back, as we have done before. Keep the faith."
England suffered a rapid two-day defeat to Australia in the first Ashes Test, prompting Brendon McCullum to urge maintained belief in the team's methods. Management is weighing whether extra match practice with the Lions or focused team bonding will best prepare the squad for the second Test in Brisbane on 4 December. Several non-selected players featured for the Lions at Lilac Hill. McCullum expressed hurt at the manner of the loss and Travis Head's decisive century, but emphasized confidence in the approach and the need to protect camaraderie to mount a comeback.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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