England head coach Brendon McCullum has dismissed suggestions of panic changes to his team’s batting order, insisting his side will stick to their principles as they fight to save the Ashes series in Australia.
Facing a 2-0 deficit heading into the crucial third Test in Adelaide, England’s top order has come under intense scrutiny for its lack of runs. Despite the pressure, McCullum confirmed he has no plans to alter the settled top seven, arguing that “knee-jerk reactions” are not the solution.
“We haven’t got the runs we needed in the first two Tests, and we’ve made mistakes from good positions,” McCullum stated. “But the answer isn’t to throw out what has worked for this team. It’s about playing with more conviction. We back the players we have.”
Questions about his own future, should England slide to an insurmountable 3-0 lead, were brushed aside by the coach. “That doesn’t really bother me,” he said. “I don’t coach to protect a job. I coach to get the best out of this group. I firmly believe if we play our best cricket, we are a massive chance in this Test. It’s all in front of us to achieve.”
While the batting lineup looks set to remain unchanged, the bowling attack could see adjustments. Seamer Josh Tongue is in contention for his first appearance of the tour, with his pace and ability to swing the ball seen as assets for the Adelaide conditions. The composition of the spin department also remains a point of discussion ahead of the match.
McCullum also offered strong support for fast bowler Jofra Archer, whose efforts in the second Test drew some criticism. The coach defended Archer’s approach and his ability to manage his workload across an innings.
“The skipper asked the players not to mope around, and Jofra showed fight,” McCullum said. “He has a great ability to work through the gears. Sometimes bowling within yourself is about accuracy and giving yourself the best chance.”
With the series on the line, McCullum emphasized the need for focus and unity within the camp. The goal, he said, is to channel their energy into the challenge ahead rather than dwell on past results.
“It’s about focusing on the battle that’s coming, not fighting the last war,” McCullum concluded. “We’ve had our discussions, but you can’t walk away and start pointing fingers. The group remains tight. We know what we need to do. If we do it, we have a chance. If we don’t, a 2-0 deficit can become 5-0 very quickly.”