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McCullum admits England have been ‘nowhere near’ their best | The Express Tribune
Brendon McCullum brushed off concerns that his job was on the line heading into the third Test against Australia. Photo: AFP
ADELAIDE:
Defiant England coach Brendon McCullum brushed off concerns Sunday that his job was on the line heading into the third Test against Australia, while admitting the team have been “nowhere near” their best.
The tourists were crushed in the first two Ashes Tests in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets and only a win at Adelaide Oval this week will be enough to keep the five-match series alive.
McCullum confirmed they would stick with the same top seven, keeping under-fire Ollie Pope at number three rather than bring in Jacob Bethell.
“Knee-jerk reactions and chopping and changing settled batting line-ups is not really our way,” he said.
“We know we haven’t got enough runs so far in the series. But for us to go on and win the series it’s not about throwing out what’s been successful for us over the past few years.”
England’s lack of fight and questionable preparations have drawn scrutiny, while McCullum’s claim that they “trained too much” prior to Brisbane was met with disbelief by former greats.
A decision for the team to lounge on the beach in tourist playground Noosa this week before heading to Adelaide was also panned.
But McCullum was unfazed, dismissing talk that his job could be threatened by another defeat.
“I don’t know, but it doesn’t really bother me, to be honest,” he said.
“I mean professional sport, it’s not easy, right? You do the job to the best of your ability. You have conviction in what you’re doing, and whatever happens, happens.”
McCullum admitted England must improve to keep the series alive, but suggested they would not change their gung-ho approach.
“We knew when we came here that we had to win three Tests to win the series, and the fact we’re 2-0 down has made it harder on ourselves, but it doesn’t stop the belief that you have within the dressing room,” he said.
“I don’t think we’ve been anywhere near our best so far in these last two Tests … but what’s been has been. Now, it’s focusing on the one that’s coming.
“I firmly believe that if we play our best cricket, we’re a massive chance in this Test match. We do that, and the narrative changes in the series,” he added.
McCullum defended the decision to take a beach break rather than train after two heavy defeats.
“Noosa for us was excellent. It was planned, obviously a year ago,” he said, adding that it was about spending “time away from the heat of the battle”.
“And I think now the freshness which we come into this Test match with will hopefully pay off.
“There’s no guarantees, but that’s the plan, and I think the boys are excited to get back to training and look forward to the next few days.”
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The New England Patriots organization said it was “heartbroken” over the shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, that left at least two people dead and nine others wounded.
Police said a person of interest was in custody early Sunday following the incident. The person was apprehended at a hotel in Coventry but wasn’t immediately identified. Providence police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said the detained person was in their 30s.
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Law enforcement officials carry rifles while walking on a street in a neighborhood near Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 during the investigation of a shooting. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“The New England Patriots are heartbroken by the horrific events at Brown University,” the team said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected and their families, and we remain grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who acted swiftly to protect the students, faculty, staff and the community.
“We stand with Brown University and our neighbors in Rhode Island during this difficult time.”
The Patriots will take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon. Gillette Stadium is located about 25 miles from Brown University.
The Bills were staying in a hotel near the Ivy League school. The staff and the players were safe, The Athletic reported.
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) stiff-arms New York Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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Brown University has fielded over 50 NFL players. Bills defensive tackle Michael Hoecht is the lone player from Brown who is still in the league. He’s on the injured reserve.
University officials on Sunday canceled all classes, exams and papers for the rest of the fall semester. The school said students were free to leave to go back home. Those who stayed will have access to services and support, Provost Francis Doyle said in a statement.
A police vehicle rests at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island, following a Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 shooting at the university. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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“At this time, it is essential that we focus our efforts on providing care and support to the members of our community as we grapple with the sorrow, fear and anxiety that is impacting all of us right now,” Doyle added.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Sydney Sixers’ in-form batter Babar Azam has expressed confidence ahead of the Big Bash League opener, saying the team is “good to go and ready” in an interview with Australian cricket commentators.
The opening T20 match of the Big Bash League is being played today (Sunday) at Optus Stadium in Perth, featuring Babar Azam’s Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers.
The league features a total of 27 matches.
The second-placed Sydney Sixers have unveiled the “Babaristan” Fan Zone in honour of Pakistan’s cricket star Babar Azam.
The franchise announced on its official social media platforms, captioning, “Introducing Babaristan–A Fan Zone Like No Other,” which quickly sparked excitement among cricket fans in both Australia and Pakistan.
In its statement, the Sixers said, “We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan – a fan zone dedicated to Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam.”
In the latest clash between India and Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup, India once again showed a lack of sportsmanship by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain at the toss. Despite repeated requests from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to keep politics out of junior-level cricket, India ignored the appeal and continued with its politically charged approach.
This refusal to shake hands follows a similar act in the senior Asia Cup, further highlighting how political prejudice is being ingrained in the youth. The incident left the ICC seemingly powerless against the influence of the Indian Cricket Board, which has refused to acknowledge the importance of maintaining decorum in international sport.
Despite facing criticism and humiliation for its actions, India repeated the gesture, casting a shadow over its commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. India’s downward spiral continues: it has slipped behind Pakistan in the Test rankings, suffered a humiliating defeat in the Test series, and sees more international cricketers turning to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the IPL.
INDIAN BATTING LINE STUMBLES
Meanwhile, after Pakistan opted to bowl first in the opening Pakistan vs India clash of the U-19 Asia Cup, India has lost four wickets for 113 runs so far.
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