Overview
- Joe Root called Brendon McCullum one of the best coaches he has worked with and said his own game has improved tenfold under the New Zealander.
- England leveled the ODI series in Colombo with a five-wicket victory, their first away ODI win in 12 attempts, as Root top-scored with 75 in an 81-run stand with captain Harry Brook.
- Root backed Brook to “do wonderful things” as captain, noting the skipper has apologized and accepted punishment after a nightclub altercation in New Zealand became public.
- McCullum’s position remains under pressure following the 4-1 Ashes loss, with the ECB’s review ongoing and selector Luke Wright reported to have left his post.
- Root said he will take time after the Sri Lanka tour to assess the Ashes, as coverage suggests performance at the upcoming T20 World Cup could be pivotal for McCullum’s tenure.