Brendon McCullum admitted that England may have damaged their Ashes chances by overdoing their preparation after their eight-wicket defeat by Australia left the tourists staring at a 2-0 deficit and on the brink of another series loss Down Under.
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Speaking after crushing defeat at The Gabba, McCullum admitted that England’s intensity in the build-up to the day-night Test had failed.
“Leading into this Test match I felt we were too prepared to be honest,” McCullum told Australia’s Seven Network. “We’ve had five intense days of training and sometimes the most important thing is to feel fresh and make sure your headspace is absolutely right.
With England now needing to win all three remaining Tests to reclaim the Ashes, McCullum outlined a change in approach and the team took a break to rest and reset. He revealed plans to recuperate at one of Australia’s premier beach resorts before preparations begin for the third Test in Adelaide, which begins on December 17.
Australia need just a draw there to retain the Ashes. “I think the guys just need a few days off,” McCullum said.
“We’re going to let the dust settle on what’s been a pretty intense last couple of weeks and start planning and plotting our way back into the series.”
England’s fielding was consistent throughout the first two Tests, promising positions marred by undisciplined bowling, reckless shot selection and a series of dropped catches.
The coaching staff was also criticized for scheduling only one tour match before the series and for sticking strictly to an attack-at-all-costs philosophy rather than adapting to Australian conditions.
However, McCullum rejected any suggestion of retreating from his forward thinking. “You can’t come to this country and start sulking and feeling sorry for yourself when things don’t work out,” he said.
“You can’t have a glass jaw when you’re touring Australia. You have to get up and go again.”
England have not won a Test in Australia since their famous series triumph in 2010-11, a statistic that still looms large over the current squad.
Captain Ben Stokes showed determination in Brisbane with a defiant half-century and 96 runs with Will Jacks that briefly delayed the inevitable. Stokes admitted that the team is beaten in the biggest moments. “When you know it’s not about skill, you have to dig a little deeper and see what we do in those pressure moments,” he said. “Australia still outplays us at these times.
With intense heat, hostile crowds and challenging conditions yet to come, England face a tough task to revive their Ashes campaign, starting with the pivotal third Test in Adelaide.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
December 7, 2025
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