Stuart Broad praises Brendon McCullum after he urged England players to 'run towards the danger'
- Planet Sport writer
- 16 June 2022
The changes around the England Test team already seem to be making a difference, and Stuart Broad believes the impact of Brendon McCullum can't be understated.
England have undergone a number of changes at Test level, with a new captain, head coach and director all coming in ahead of the summer.
It seems to have given the squad a fresh wave of optimism and belief, with England taking a 2-0 series lead over New Zealand after an impressive showing at Trent Bridge last week.
With the game hanging in the balance, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum instructed the squad to adopt an aggressive game plan and hunt victory instead of holding out for a draw.
It was the right call - and an entertaining one at that. Stokes and Jonny Bairstow helped the Trent Bridge crowd to their feet as they attacked each delivery, and the resulting five-wicket victory was a product of their positivity.
It was raining sixes at Trent Bridge and this one from the skipper was HUGE!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 15, 2022
🏴 #ENGvNZ 🇳🇿 @lv_cricket 🏏 pic.twitter.com/aDZpqj3NQw
Stuart Broad claimed five wickets across the five days of action, and was quick to praise the impact of McCullum in particular.
The 35-year-old seamer has plenty of experience with the Test side, and has previously played under Peter Moores, Andy Flower, Trevor Bayliss and Chris Silverwood. But while many of McCullum's predecessors have adopted a safety-first approach, Broad was happy to see England let off the leash in the second Test.
"There's no doubt that Baz has had an impact already," said Broad.
"It does feel really fresh and exciting in the changing room. It's a very positive language. It's very forward thinking, all about how to move this game forward.
"This is no dig but at tea, when we were four down with the game in the balance slightly, I've certainly been in changing rooms in the past where that would be shut up shop time.
What a performance from this team! 😍 😍 😍
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 14, 2022
🏴 #ENGvNZ 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/JeVmfwEDPg
"Baz's team talk was very much 'let's attack the danger; let's run towards the danger' so every part of your mind is about going for this win.
"It was never really a case of 'if we lose one we might shut up shop'. It was always 'we're going to win' and if it doesn't work, don't worry about it.
"I don't think he's spoken particularly deeply, his whole mantra is about enjoyment and fun. The energy is: how good's Test cricket? How good's this ground? What can we get out of today?"
England will now have a short break before the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley. on June 23, with play scheduled to start at 11:00 BST.
