"There's always a lot of white noise around an Ashes series but at the moment for England it must be overwhelming, not just given their performances in the first two Tests but because of the mid-tour break they've just been on, with assorted media and attention-seekers following them around the beaches of Noosa. I absolutely understand that Brendon McCullum's priority is to do what he believes is right for the team,"
"Having just been rewarded for their two defeats with a nice few days of Queensland sunshine, it might now be time for the team to be introduced to the concept of consequences. They aren't something this group have had to deal with for a while. The consistency of selection has been amazing, with players protected as a matter of policy from the threat of losing their place."
England's cricket team is under heavy scrutiny after unconvincing performances in the first two Tests and a high-profile mid-tour break in Noosa accompanied by media attention. Travelling supporters have voiced frustration after investing time and money with little on-field reward. Longstanding selection consistency has shielded players from losing places and reduced traditional accountability. Brendon McCullum maintains a policy of protected selection, yet consequences are becoming more likely if results do not improve. The squad aims to play aggressively and entertain, but current decision-making and tactical choices have been poor. Ben Stokes has committed to honest conversations to address these problems.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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