'We didn't expect that the wicket would play quite...': Brendon McCullum admits Ben Stokes' tactical misstep by opting to bowl first at Edgbaston

England head coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged that electing to bowl first was a glaring bunder which contributed significantly to their heavy defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston. England decision to let India to bat first on a flat track following their "chase in the fourth innings" strategy, resulted in India Captain Shubman Gill's magnificent double hundred and a 150 that helped visitors set an unachievable target of 608.

After a 336-run defeat, in a rare moment of introspection, McCullum said that in hindsight they missed an opportunity by not opting to bat first on a batting-friendly track.

"I think, as the game unfolded, we probably looked back on that toss and said did we miss an opportunity there and it's probably fair," McCullum told BBC Test Match Special.

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McCullum rued the opportunity to dismiss India for a much lesser score in the first innings after having them five down for 211 runs. He admitted that England did not expect India to score close to 600 in the first innings.

"We didn't expect that the wicket would play quite as it did and hence we probably got it slightly wrong. But we did have them 200 for 5 and we weren't able to capitalise on that position and when you win the toss and bowl you're hoping to, well you're not anticipating the opposition's going to score 580 and then from that point we're behind the game," he said.

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McCullum lauds Brook, Smith for game-changing partnership

In reply, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook secured a 303-run sixth-wicket partnership, a record-breaking stand which helped England make a comeback in the game. This partnership not only kept them in the dominant position but also ensured that they avoided the follow-on and posted a respectable total.

McCullum labelled it as the only positive for England in the game.

"It was only a brilliant partnership from Jamie Smith and Harry Brook which gave us any balance in the game throughout the five days. That's something we've got to look at," he added.

Meanwhile, the head coach clarified that England don't follow a rigid strategy but conceded that a misjudgment of the Edgbaston pitch contributed to their defeat. He assured the team's strategic flexibility, yet admitted that an incorrect pitch assessment placed England at a disadvantage from the start.

"We're not rigid with our plans. It's just we thought this pitch might get better to bat on as we went through the five days but as we saw it didn't," he further added.

Both teams will have a quick turnaround as the third Test of the series will commence on July 10 at Lord's, London.