'It's factually incorrect that we don't train' - McCullum on England's preparation

England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum has dismissed assertions that his team did not take their practice sessions seriously during their tour of India, calling such an approach "factually incorrect." England suffered quite substantial defeats in both the ODI and T20I series, losing 3-0 and 4-1, respectively, buzzing comments about their training outlook and perspective.

During the television commentary for the third ODI, Ravi Shastri and Kevin Pietersen observed and claimed that England’s players, apart from Joe Root, had not practised in the nets during the series. While England prepared ahead of the first ODI in Nagpur, they did not perform net sessions before the second and third matches in Cuttack and Ahmedabad. 

Speaking to talkSPORT, McCullum refused all these claims after England’s 142-run defeat in the last ODI. "Firstly, it's factually incorrect, the whole statement that we don't train. We've trained plenty throughout. Many of our players have come from a lot of cricket as well. It's an easy criticism to say players don't train enough when results aren't going our way", he said. 

Also Read: Jos Buttler quashes Ravi Shastri's claim about England training

He reiterates that England follows a definite style of game and methodical approach, atoning training with injury adjustments ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. "We've got guys battling injuries, trying to ensure we have enough fit bodies on the field, knowing we have a huge assignment coming up. We'll stay true to what we believe in." 

Jos Buttler, the captain also guarded the team’s work ethic, dismissing the image that their poor performances resulted from a lack of commitment and effort. "We've had a reasonably long tour with a few long travel days," he said. "Yes, there were times we didn’t train, but we’ve done plenty of training. We create a good environment but don’t mistake that for laziness. The guys are desperate to perform and improve", he said. 

McCullum, who initiated the white-ball coaching role in January, said that the tour of India had provided invaluable lessons and insights ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He says, "I've learned a lot," he said. "Our players are incredibly talented. If we can add craft and build confidence, that talent will flourish. The results are disappointing, but there’s much to take forward." 

Now England will regroup in the UAE before battling against Australia on February 22. in their opening Champions Trophy match. Injured Jacob Bethell has been replaced by Tom Banton and have been added to the squad.