With their highest ICC Test ranking since Brendon McCullum took charge in May 2022 and a thrilling, all-in playing style, England’s red-ball team is setting its sights higher—no longer rebuilding, but chasing greatness.
From recovery to pride: McCullum outlines next phase
Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Cricket show, McCullum made it clear that the era of rebuilding is over. The focus now is legacy.
“We’re not trying to pick this team up any more,” McCullum said. “It’s a matter of taking this team from a good team into being something English people are really proud of.”
Since his appointment, England has won 22 of 35 Tests—compared to just one win in their previous 17—and has thrilled fans with memorable away series victories in Pakistan and New Zealand. Despite a drawn Ashes in 2023 and defeats in India and Pakistan, the team’s identity and ambition have taken shape.
“We’re actually travelling pretty good but there’s an opportunity now,” he added. “We’re working from a position of strength but now’s the time where we shoot for the stars.”
All eyes on India and the Ashes
England’s upcoming Test schedule features two major series that will define their status: a home showdown against India and a challenging Ashes tour in Australia.
“There’s no greater opportunity than playing in big series against the best opposition on the biggest stage under the brightest lights to be able to test that,” McCullum said.
These matches will test not just skill, but the team’s connection with fans—something McCullum believes is just as critical.
Stokes’ silent ruthlessness
Although Ben Stokes himself dislikes the term “ruthless,” McCullum described his captain in those exact terms.
“He is unbelievably driven, to push himself, to push his team-mates, to win at all costs,” he said. “We’re very lucky to have him in the chair because he’s going to be very strong about trying to push this team to the next level.”
Stokes’ leadership has powered England’s bold new style—fearless, aggressive, and unrelenting.
Zimbabwe a key step, not a sideshow
Before the blockbuster matchups, England face Zimbabwe in a one-off four-day Test at Trent Bridge. While the fixture might lack the glamor of the Ashes or India series, McCullum insists the team is not taking it lightly.
“We want to be where our feet are,” he said. “This game has an amazing ability to bring you back down to earth if you don’t have the respect for the game or the respect for the opposition.”
“We go into it as favourites so we need to make sure we’re rock hard fit and ready to go and make good decisions under pressure.”
That mentality—of staying grounded while aiming high—sums up England’s new era under McCullum and Stokes.
