'It’s probably on a bit of a downward trend'- Test coach Brendon McCullum on England's current red-ball status

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum is confident that England will be able to revive their fortunes in red-ball cricket which has witnessed a steady decline in the last 16 months. After the Three Lions’ 2-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka in January 2021, they have not managed a single series win from thereon.

McCullum has been appointed as England’s head coach in the longest format and he will be taking charge during the home Test series against New Zealand starting July 2 at the ‘Home of Cricket’ Lord’s. He has been appointed by England Cricket in order to improve the country’s performances in the traditional format that saw them register just a solitary win from 17 matches.

Red-ball cricket has always been the pinnacle of the sport: Brendon McCullum

“I think for me red-ball cricket has always been the pinnacle of the sport, if you look at where the game sits currently, it’s probably on a bit of a downward trend and to me the nation that can really change that is England,” McCullum told Sky Sports.

“Because of the tradition of Test cricket here in England and I guess the fan following and the support that it gets in this country. For us to be competitive in Test cricket, I think will go a long way in trying to be able to hopefully just shift that a little bit in terms of the perception of red-ball cricket moving forward,” he added.

England were last seen in action in the Test format during the three-match series against the West Indies that they lost 0-1. After that defeat, Joe Root stepped down from his position as red-ball captain and was succeeded by star all-rounder Ben Stokes.

Ever since their 0-4 Ashes drubbing down under in December- January to arch-rivals Australia, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made several changes in their setup and team management including the axing of coach Chris Silverwood. Robert Key replaced his former England teammate Ashley Giles as the England cricket team’s managing director.