Despite England’s two-wicket loss at Edgbaston in the first Ashes test, England coach Brendon McCullum stated that his team’s offensive strategy was “validated” by the performance and that they will be even more aggressive in the second match of the series.
The majority of the game was controlled by England, but Australia was able to come out on top because to their frequently conservative approach and a match-winning combination between their skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon that scored 55 runs for the ninth wicket.
It was England’s third loss in the 14 tests that have been played since McCullum replaced Ben Stokes as captain in May of last year.
McCullum stated to the British media that although it would have been preferable to win the game, he believes that the way that we played has proven the approach that we use. “Had we been dealt just a little bit of the rub of the green, we might have been able to come out on the other side of it.
“It was a fantastic test match with two very different styles of play,” said the commentator. But much as in a boxing bout between heavyweights, not everyone needs to fight the same way.
“I have no doubt that they (Australia) will adhere steadfastly to that approach until the very end, which I believe to be fantastic because it means that we will go a little bit harder. I believe that it will make the upcoming test matches much more exciting to watch.”
After the game, Stokes stated that he did not have any regrets about declaring England’s first innings when they were 393-8 on the first day, and McCullum supported the captain’s intention to take the game to the opponent.
“We always want to try and take the game forward,” he added. “That’s our goal.” We want to make the most of moments when we believe we can put the other team under pressure and we want to do so as quickly as possible.
“Both the skipper and I am certain that this presents us with the best opportunity moving forward. Because everyone was able to enjoy themselves, I would be extremely shocked if there were a significant number of individuals who had issue with the way in which we play the game.
“We are aware of the fact that there will be times when you are unsuccessful. We want to keep getting up and throwing punches as a team, and I’m incredibly happy of the way the boys performed.” “We want to keep getting up and throwing punches as a team.”
Lord’s will play host to the opening match of the second test of the series on June 28.