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Brendon McCullum urges England fans to keep the faith after an eight-wicket Ashes defeat in Perth, vowing no change in Bazball approach ahead of the second Test in Brisbane.
England head coach Brendon McCullum (AP)
Coach Brendon McCullum urged England fans to “keep the faith” and confirmed there would be no change in approach after their humiliating defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
England suffered an eight-wicket defeat within two days after their aggressive playing style, known as “Bazball” after the coach’s nickname, backfired.
Batting collapses, coupled with Travis Head’s sensational 69-ball century, led to yet another defeat for England in Australia.
This left the visitors with a challenging task to regain the Ashes, with four Tests remaining. The second Test is a day-night match in Brisbane on December 4.
England faced severe criticism back home following the defeat on Saturday.
“Keep the faith,” McCullum, the New Zealander, told reporters when asked about his message to England fans.
“Sometimes we get beaten and it looks pretty ugly, but there are times when having that type of mentality allows us to still believe in our abilities when we step out to play.
“There are times we don’t get it right, but we have to believe in what we believe in because it gives us the best chance.
“Just because we are one down in the series doesn’t change what we believe in.
“We have to stay calm, stay together, and plot our way back into this series, as we have done before.”
England’s Ashes Record
Since last claiming an Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago, England have now lost 14 Tests, drawn two, and won none in Australia.
They had a perfect opportunity in Perth to snap the poor streak and gain a psychological advantage heading into the pink-ball encounter in Brisbane.
After reaching 160-5, the tourists lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one before regaining the advantage by dismissing Australia for 132.
They were on track for a big lead after reaching 65-1 in their second innings but again lost five wickets in quick succession, allowing Australia to chase down 205 with ease.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
November 24, 2025, 10:40 IST
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