Former England captain Nasser Hussain had a tense moment with Brendon McCullum after the 4-1 defeat to Australia in The Ashes. Hussain had an interview with McCullum after England's loss at the Sydney Cricket Ground and decided to question if the latter will change his coaching methods or not. However, the England head coach wasn't very pleased after listening to the question and said that he still has faith in his methods.
“Can you personally change, or is it the Brendon McCullum philosophy? Can you change your ways, or is this how you’re going to play?” Hussain askked.
“I sort of take offence to that, to be honest, Nas. I have conviction in my methods, but I’m not rigid in my beliefs," McCullum replied.
Hussain on McCullum's reaction
Hussain later explained what could have led McCullum to react in that manner. He remarked that even though the latter has showed faith in his methods despite failures, he needs to learn to adapt according to the situation.
"McCullum took umbrage when I asked him on Thursday if he was willing to change. His point was that he has always been prepared to evolve, but whether he means it will be key now. He is right to have conviction in his methodology, but there also needs to be a realisation that he and England need to adapt at times," Hussain wrote in his column for The Athletic.
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Hussain further said that McCullum may have to change his methods if he wants to continue his job of head coach and will also have to bring the players in his support.
"Will he be happy for someone above to tell him he has to change? He will have to be if he wants to stay in the job. Then he will have to demonstrate that he really is willing to do so and get other voices in his dressing room," Hussain stated.
McCullum sets sights on T20 WC
Meanwhile, with criticism mounting against McCullum, he will be looking to turn things around and achieve success with the England team in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament is set to commence frtom February 7 and will be played in India and Sri Lanka.
England's squad for T20 World Cup: Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.