#Letakan iklan disini
Cricket Jun 17, 2026

Brendon McCullum insists England's best cricket is ahead of them after Ashes 'missed opportunity'

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Brendon McCullum insists England's best cricket is ahead of them after Ashes 'missed opportunity'

Brendon McCullum has declared England's best cricket is ahead of them as they chart a route back from Ashes ruin this summer.

In their first assignment since their 4-1 drubbing in Australia, England's Test summer begins with a three-Test series against New Zealand, live from June 4 on Your Site.

McCullum's position as head coach came under scrutiny following the disastrous Ashes campaign, but having received a public vote of confidence from the ECB, he has focused on exorcising those demons by helping England fulfil their potential.

"There are elements which you know you didn't quite get right [against Australia]," said McCullum. "We're not too stubborn to acknowledge that we've made mistakes.

"If there was the 100 per cent right way to do it and there was a formula that was going to guarantee success, you would do that, but there isn't. You're trying to come up with what you think is your best method.

"Clearly we made a few mistakes along the way, and we've got to be big enough and respect that we need to make some improvements. We'll do that. That's the benefit of time.

"The last couple of months has given us the ability to reflect on some areas that we need to improve and some areas that you want to keep doing, that you've been doing really well.

"I guess our greatest challenge will be seen in the coming months, but I'm confident that our best cricket is in front of us for this side."

Reflecting on England's ill-fated Ashes campaign, McCullum highlighted several fundamental flaws he hopes he and his team can address this summer.

"Obviously it was disappointing; it was disappointing for everyone," he added. "It was disappointing for the team, the guys involved in it, all those connected. Disappointing for all the fans back in England, but also those that travelled out to Australia.

"It was a missed opportunity for us. I thought we went there rock hard, fit, ready to go. We had a huge opportunity to achieve success down in Australia. After three-and-a-half years of trying to shape something, I thought we were ready for it.

"Unfortunately, which can happen in this game, when the pressure is at its highest and the lights are at their brightest, sometimes you aren't quite able to regather yourself and operate with the necessary poise to execute what you want to achieve. Hence we came up short against a very good Australian side.

"We had our chances and we'll forever look back on that tour and say it was a missed opportunity, and obviously it hurt. But for us now it's a matter of what do we do moving forward.

"How do we sharpen the set-up that we've built over the last four years to make it a better side, a more resilient side when the pressure is at its highest, and a more dominant side when you get the opportunity."

Can England beat New Zealand? Watch all five days of the first summer Test match at Lord's live on Your Site. Keep track of the , follow the and with Your Site. Not got Sky? or .

Tags:

cricket news

Share this article

Related Posts

England T20 World Cup squad: Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue named in provisional group for 2026 tournament but no Jamie Smith or Brydon Carse

England T20 World Cup squad: Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue named in provisional group for 2026 tournament but no Jamie Smith or Brydon Carse

Jofra Archer has been included in England's provisional T20 World Cup squad after his Ashes-ending injury, with fellow fast bowler Josh Tongue also na...

England vs West Indies: Free live cricket stream from ICC T20 World Cup on the Sky Sports App

England vs West Indies: Free live cricket stream from ICC T20 World Cup on the Sky Sports App

Appy days! Everyone can stream England vs West Indies at the ICC T20 World Cup live for FREE on the Your Site App.England's second game of the tournam...

The Ashes: Jacob Bethell hailed as 'future of England cricket' after delivering on supreme talent with first Test century

The Ashes: Jacob Bethell hailed as 'future of England cricket' after delivering on supreme talent with first Test century

Jacob Bethell evoked memories of David Gower with his stylish, yet composed, maiden Test century at No 3 for England in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney...

The Ashes: Steve Smith hurts England with a 13th Ashes hundred in Sydney to add further to his legend

The Ashes: Steve Smith hurts England with a 13th Ashes hundred in Sydney to add further to his legend

"He has hurt England so often," Your Site' Michael Atherton said after Steve Smith's latest Ashes century, his 13th.And England fans may have to steel...

Usman Khawaja hits out at 'racial stereotypes' after retirement announcement - 'Australian cricket still very white'

Usman Khawaja hits out at 'racial stereotypes' after retirement announcement - 'Australian cricket still very white'

Usman Khawaja has hit out against a culture of "racial stereotypes" in coverage of Australian cricket, declaring the sport is "still very white" as he...

England's Harry Brook apologises for 'embarrassing' altercation with bouncer in New Zealand ahead of November ODI

England's Harry Brook apologises for 'embarrassing' altercation with bouncer in New Zealand ahead of November ODI

England's Harry Brook has apologised for "embarrassing myself and the team" after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand last autumn.A...