Andrew Strauss, a strategic advisor of the England and Wales Cricket Board, was blown away by the clarity Brendon McCullum showed in the interview for England’s Test coach job and has backed the former Kolkata Knight Riders head coach to lead the side on the right path.
McCullum was appointed as the head coach of England men’s Test team on May 10 after two days of interviews at Lord’s. Strauss, who was a part of the interview panel along with CEO Tom Harrison, managing director Rob Key and performance director Mo Bobat, revealed that the panel was highly impressed with the clarity the former New Zealand captain showed.
“I was involved with the interview process and he knocked it out of the park. But these appointments aren’t about interviews. They’re about approach, really, I know he’s the sort of guy that the England players will look up to and he’ll be able to show them the way,”
he told talkSPORT at the Sports Industry Awards.
McCullum was one of the highly-rated captains in the modern game and is known for his fearless approach.
Strauss said that McCullum is someone who isn’t afraid to make mistakes, and it is exactly what the England Test team needs. He added that he considers the 40-year-old is the right guy to inspire and give a direction to this side.
“He’s a very positive guy with a very clear mindset and he will embed that in that Test team at a time when confidence is a bit low and people need a bit of clarity and direction. He’s an impressive guy,”
he added.
Strauss also believes the partnership between McCullum and Ben Stokes, England’s new Test captain, will work well as Stokes himself is ”a very positive guy”.
Also read 👉 New England captain Stokes wants Lions to be ”selfless”
McCullum’s first assignment as the England Test coach will be a three-match series against the Kiwis, starting from June 2. Some changes in personnel are expected to be made with the experienced duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad coming back into the side.
McCullum, who has never coached in a first-class match before and is more renowned for limited overs acumen, has a big challenge ahead of him to prove himself as Test coach.
