Brendon McCullum has urged England’s cricket team to reconnect with their fans after a period where both their performances and some public remarks have made them seem “out of touch with the general population.” As England prepare for a pivotal few months, starting with a four-day Test against Zimbabwe, McCullum is keen to reignite that connection with supporters, emphasizing humility and smarter communication alongside the team’s aggressive style of play.
The Zimbabwe Test marks the beginning of a significant phase for England cricket, with a five-match home series against India and a challenging trip to Australia in pursuit of a rare away Ashes victory to follow. Reflecting on the period since his appointment as head coach in 2022, McCullum has taken stock of what the team has achieved and missed out on, as well as their role in representing the English public.
Initially, the team’s ultra-attacking brand of cricket captured the imagination of fans, offering a sense of belonging and excitement. McCullum believes that enthusiasm has waned in recent times due to missed opportunities on the field and some off-field behavior that has not always been well received. He acknowledges that while the ability to perform under pressure is crucial, it’s equally important how players carry themselves and engage with the public.
“We want the English fans to get in behind us,” McCullum said. “And to do that, it’s not just about what you do on the cricket field. It’s how you carry yourself, it’s how you interact with the public, it’s the messaging that you give. The ability to play on the biggest stage and under the brightest lights and the pressure is one thing, but also the ability to show some humility and not feel out of touch with the general population is something that I’d like to see us improve on.”
This admission comes after a series of candid comments by players that have sometimes been interpreted as arrogance or a cavalier attitude. Bowler Mark Wood recently acknowledged that the team has occasionally been “a bit dumb” in the things they say publicly, sometimes giving the impression of being overconfident or detached. England’s managing director of men’s cricket also criticized the team for talking “a lot of rubbish a lot of the time,” which has fed a narrative that players don’t care enough about winning.
McCullum understands these issues, emphasizing that while players are highly trained cricketers, they are not trained media professionals. “These guys work unbelievably hard. They sacrifice so much. But we’ve got to be a bit smarter with some of our comments, and we will be,” he said. The goal is to be more thoughtful and articulate so the team maintains a strong connection with the public and brings fans along on what promises to be a memorable journey.
The coach confirmed that Essex seamer Sam Cook will make his Test debut in the upcoming match against Zimbabwe. Since McCullum took charge three years ago, England have risen from sixth in the world rankings to second. He acknowledged the progress with satisfaction but stressed that the team should not be complacent. “When we took on a project like this, it was not about necessarily settling on good,” McCullum said. “There’s a lot of meat on the bone for us.”
One example of the team’s renewed focus is captain Ben Stokes’ decision to give up alcohol as part of his commitment to maximize his potential. McCullum sees this as a powerful symbol of the team’s mindset going forward. “He’s had the time to look at where he is individually and say: ‘How do I make sure that I get the very most out of the talent I was born with and the opportunity I’ve been given?’” McCullum explained. “The extra motivation, in the latter part of his career, to maximise the talent he’s got is a massive positive.”
This determination to improve, combined with a readiness to play with freedom and ambition, encapsulates the current spirit of the England team. McCullum is proud of what has been achieved so far but insists that now is the time to “let the handbrake off and try and shoot for the stars.” With big series looming, England aim not just to win but to do so in a way that brings fans back to their side, reviving the excitement and connection that once defined the team’s identity.
