Alastair Cook was uncertain over England’s relaxed approach under Brendon McCullum, aligning with a casual approach to the Champions Trophy.
Cook suggested that this laid-back approach played a role in England’s group-stage exit in the ICC tournament.
The newly appointed white-ball coach Brendon McCullum is under scrutiny after a white-wash in India followed by an early exit in the Champions Trophy 2025.
With Jos Buttler stepping down as white-ball captain, he joins a growing list of former England stars who have questioned the team’s participation, describing it as ‘too relaxed.’
Speaking on the media, Cook compared England’s traditional tournament preparations during his playing days to the current setup under Brendon McCullum.
England suffered defeats to Afghanistan, England and South Africa in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.
“All my preparation was done leading up to it,” said Cook. “I hit a lot of balls. I see the set-up now with Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes and it’s a lot more relaxed. I’m not sure how much I would have enjoyed that relaxedness,” Cook said.
“I liked – I suppose with Goochy (Graeme Gooch), hit lots of balls, and if you’re in form hit even more balls because you don’t want to waste that rhythm. Andy Flower was constantly improving, always working,” he added.
Former players like Kevin Pietersen and Steve Harmison have repeatedly brought up the current squad’s casual demeaner and questionable preparations methods ahead of the matches.
Meanwhile Brendon McCullum defended his team after a dismal campaign which led to Jos Buttler resigning from his post as white-ball captain.
“We’ve had our opportunities and played some okay cricket. and both games we could have won, and then we’re sitting here and talking about something slightly different.”
“I genuinely believe we’ve got immense talent in English cricket across all forms,” said Brendon McCullum.
“If anything, we are lacking confidence. There’s a perception out there that we’re a happy-go-lucky, arrogant type of team. We couldn’t be further from that. These guys are too hard on themselves, they’ve got immense talent they are desperate … to perform,” he added.
England has a terrible run in white-ball cricket, particularly ODI cricket, where they have won only one out of their last 10 matches.
