England head coach Brendon McCullum has received public support from the country’s leading run scorer as the Ashes review continues.
Joe Root has backed McCullum following the series defeat in Australia. Root has scored 16 Test centuries since May 2022 and says his game has improved significantly in that period.
“We’re disappointed with the way things went out in Australia,” Root said after England’s one day international win over Sri Lanka.
“But I still think that there’s a lot more really exciting things to come from this group
“Obviously, it’s more fun when you win, but I’m still having the best time of my life.
“I get to turn up and do the thing that I love every day with a great group of people, some brilliant minds and some experts that you can constantly keep improving and developing under.
“I think Baz is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. If you look at my own personal game, the time that he’s been the coach, it’s improved tenfold.”
Root has previously supported an England coach facing scrutiny. He publicly backed Chris Silverwood after an earlier Ashes defeat in Australia. Silverwood was dismissed three weeks later.
Root said at the time that Covid restrictions had limited squad availability and added that players needed to take responsibility for their performances.
McCullum faced further pressure following the Ashes after reports emerged of an incident involving Harry Brook and a New Zealand bouncer. The incident took place the night before a match in Wellington.
Brook received a fine of £30,000 and retained his role as white ball captain.
Root said Brook has shown remorse and remains focused on his leadership role.
“He clearly feels bad about what happened, but from my side of things, he’s got a job to do and I think he’s doing it exceptionally well,” Root said.
England’s victory over Sri Lanka ended a run of 11 away defeats in the 50 over format. Root scored a decisive half century in the match.
