PAK vs ENG 2024: Brendon McCullum defends James Anderson for prioritizing golf over coaching job

England head coach Brendon McCullum recently came forward and defended James Anderson after he missed the entirety of England's preparation for its Test series against Pakistan. He missed the preparations as a bowling consultant for playing in a golf tournament. 

It is worth noting that England’s series against Pakistan began from October 7, and James Anderson is due to arrive after the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship ends.

When asked about his absence, McCullum revealed that he was surprised that Anderson made the cut for the golf tournament and defended him, stating that the fact that the side misses him speaks volumes about his value as a coach.

“I thought he was going to miss the cut, he's golf's been poor. I didn't anticipate him making the cut. Two months ago you guys were saying he didn't deserve to be a coach just yet, and now we miss him and I think that's great affirmation of how good an impact Jimmy Anderson has made in the short period of time in his transition from player to coach,” McCullum was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports. 

We'll take what we can get when we get it: McCullum

Furthermore, McCullum revealed that Anderson's missing the preparations for the golf tournament was a combined decision and not just Anderson’s. He also highlighted how the former pacer has just transitioned to coaching from a player and how big of a change it can be. 

“A combined decision, Jimmy's just entered into the coaching world, he's made a huge transition from a 20-odd year career into now this new role. He's on as a bowling consultant as well, he's not on a full-time contract, and we'll take what we can get when we get it,” McCullum said. 

“These guys still have to live their lives, as we know the challenges and demands of international cricket with the calendar mean you need to be able to go out and enjoy yourself as well. If he was at home with his family I question anyone would have any problem with it, but because he's playing golf there's some uncertainty around it,” he added.