File photo of Ben Stokes (left) and Brendon McCullum.©AFP
Test head coach Brendon McCullum of England said Test skipper Ben Stokes is a “guy who writes his own scripts and achieves some pretty special things”. England will play the first Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui from February 16. The McCullum-Stokes duo have been a huge hit in English cricket since taking over the red-ball side last year, winning nine of their first 10 Tests using an attacking, fearless and positive approach to cricket. “With the skipper in charge I’m not sure what’s possible for this squad because he’s a guy who writes his own scripts and achieves some pretty special things. I know the plans he has for this team be pretty lofty and he’ll try to do what he can to get the guys involved,” McCullum told Sky Sports.
“It’s been a good start. Results are great, but it’s not so much about results. I know we’re judged by that, but that’s not really my focus, and neither is the skipper.”
“We just want the lads to play a style of cricket that gives them the greatest opportunity to express their talent and have fun doing it.”
“This year has been pretty awesome. We know there are some big challenges ahead of us too, but come what may, we’ve achieved some great things recently and if we can use the lessons we’ve learned from the past continue in 10 or 11 months, it will give us the opportunity to do something very special in the next short period of time,” McCullum concluded.
McCullum hopes New Zealand’s local fans will enjoy the brand of cricket he will bring to their home, this time as England coach, unlike the years when he wore the black jersey for kiwis.
“They will be entertained whether New Zealand wins or us. People are patriotic and want their own team to win, but this is one of the reasons we’re in the lane we’re in – we want to make Test.” entertain cricket and make sure people walk away with a great experience of the game.”
“Even if your team doesn’t win, you can still walk away thinking you had a great day out. Hopefully that will be the case during this series,” McCullum concluded.
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