Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Brendon McCullum Bazball plans are set for a fresh test at Lord’s as England prepare to face New Zealand in the first match of a three-Test series on Thursday.
McCullum and captain Ben Stokes remain in charge after England’s Ashes problems, with the coach calling for a more controlled version of the attacking style that has shaped his tenure.
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McCullum Wants Sharper England
“We still want to be recognisable from the past, but we just want to be a cricket team which has evolved in some of the key areas where we've identified that we've fallen short previously.
“We want to be a team which is better under pressure, a team which can navigate tactically, that can understand where you sit in the game and what's required.
“We still want the identity of the past,” he added, “but we want a more refined version of it.”
The comments point to a key shift after the Ashes, where England’s bold approach came under scrutiny because of issues on and off the field.
Bethell Fit For Lord’s Test
Jacob Bethell is fit to play at No.3 after a finger injury forced him to leave the Indian Premier League early.
“He was operating at gully in our training yesterday and he's absolutely fine, so there's no problems there,” McCullum said. “He should be able to bowl as well.”
Bethell made his first Test century in the fifth Ashes Test at Sydney and has averaged 43 across six Tests, but he has limited recent red-ball cricket in England.
Shoaib Bashir is set to return after not playing during the Ashes tour, while Ollie Robinson is expected to make his first Test appearance since February 2024.
Gus Atkinson appears likely to take the final bowling spot ahead of uncapped Sonny Baker. Official England cricket updates are available through the England and Wales Cricket Board.
