Head coach Brendon McCullum has called on England fans to “keep the faith” despite their Ashes heartbreak in Perth – and plans to do just that with struggling opener Zak Crawley.
The tourists are picking up the pieces after an eight-wicket thrashing in the first Test, the first two-day finish to an Ashes clash since 1921.
Supporters at home, and those making the journey Down Under in their thousands, have witnessed a major stumble at the first hurdle, but McCullum is keen for them not to give up hope.
“We are bitterly disappointed for us, but also for all the fans who came here to support us so well,” he said.
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High expectations
“I would say: keep believing. We have a talented group, we believe in each other and are quite equal. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.”
“But our best way to get back into it is to do what we’ve done before under pressure: stay tight and keep pushing towards the goal.
“We go to Brisbane with high hopes and expectations and see where we are.”
McCullum’s natural optimism continues to extend to Crawley, who finds himself in the unenviable position of heading into the second day/night Test at the Gabba in the series opener on the backs of two ducks.
He failed to survive the first over in each innings, was dismissed by Mitchell Starc on both occasions, and saw his England average fall below 31 after 60 Tests.
(Robbie Stephenson/PA)
To believe
His vulnerability early on is also illustrated by 44 sacks in 109 attempts.
There is a perception that management has been tracking him ahead of this Ashes tour, believing his style is best suited to the pace and bounce of Australian pitches.
And double failures don’t seem to have diminished that faith.
“We believe he is a quality player, especially in these conditions against these types of opponents,” he said.
“How many balls did he face? 10 or 11? He came out cheap, but we believe in Zak.”
“He has been part of this group for a long time. The combination with Ben Duckett and Zak has allowed us to compete in the best possible way, and I expect Zak to see a strong recovery in the near future.
“Sometimes you get off cheap, right? It would have been nice if he hadn’t, but such is life. If he can get going, he can do some damage.”
(Robbie Stephenson/PA)
Debrief
A decision must be made in the coming days as England decide whether to send anyone from its squad to Canberra next weekend to play for the England Lions against a Prime Minister’s XI.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan is among those who have urged them to take the opportunity to line up against the pink ball.
McCullum may be loathe to tear up the original plan, but keeps his options open as the debrief unfolds.
“We’ll let the dust settle on this, and then we’ll start having those conversations and figuring out what’s what,” he said.
“We need to find out if that extra cricket is the key, or making sure the camaraderie is strong and morale doesn’t drop.
“We just have to figure out what the pros and cons are. We’re not married to any features right now, but we’ll figure it out in a few days.”
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