Brendon McCullum, unlike Charlotte Dujardin, adopts a relaxed approach to managing his team. On Wednesday, the England head coach cancelled a training session and opted for a brief run-out session the day before the third Test against the West Indies. The session concluded by midday, allowing the players to head to Little Aston Golf Club.
This laid-back style has been a hallmark of McCullum and Ben Stokes's leadership over the past two years. They prioritise quality over quantity in training, allowing players to dictate their schedules. For instance, Ben Duckett arrived at training on Wednesday after his daughter's birth, albeit looking tired, while Jamie Smith, on the eve of his Test debut two weeks ago, chose to skip the session altogether.
Stokes emphasised that such flexibility would have been frowned upon in the past.“A few years ago, that might have been looked upon badly,” said Stokes. He stated that engaging in activities just for appearances' sake is pointless and wastes energy.
Evolving on the Field
While this relaxed training approach remains consistent, England aims to evolve their on-field strategies this summer. Similar to the shift in Eoin Morgan's white-ball strategy post-2015 World Cup, the initial phase of McCullum's tenure focused on pushing batting limits, led by Stokes's aggressive style. However, after a 4-1 defeat in India earlier this year, McCullum acknowledged the need to curb recklessness, ushering in a phase of "refinement."
“We still obviously like to apply as much pressure as we can, even if the bowling conditions are in the opposition’s favour,” said Stokes. Stokes expressed a preference for refinement over "ruthlessness," a term often used retrospectively. He noted that during the 241-run victory at Trent Bridge last week, England showcased a more controlled approach. In challenging conditions, Harry Brook and Joe Root's 189-run partnership maintained a steady run rate without taking excessive risks, marking the first innings in 19 where England did not hit a six.
Root, who averaged 52 under Stokes, appeared more at ease, indicating a newfound clarity in his role. The reverse ramp shot, once emblematic of his desire to fit in, was shelved after triggering a collapse in Rajkot. It resurfaced only after securing his 32nd Test century in Nottingham, suggesting Root's acceptance of his natural style.
A Steady Lineup and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges posed by a resilient West Indies team, England is maintaining a consistent lineup, with Matthew Potts and Dillon Pennington still awaiting their opportunities. Stokes believes in allowing team positions to emerge naturally rather than forcing changes. While Mark Wood, who recently clocked 97.1mph and injured Kevin Sinclair, is unlikely to play all three Tests against Sri Lanka, there is still curiosity about the uncapped Pennington.
The decision to retire Jimmy Anderson in favour of younger players remains contentious. Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson faces the challenge of a third Test in three weeks, providing a learning opportunity regardless of his performance.