England coach reveals mindset ahead of India Test: 'No bigger opportunity than playing against the best'

England head coach Brendon McCullum has set the tone ahead of the India Test series. He also warned against taking Zimbabwe lightly in the lead-up match. read more

England head coach Brendon McCullum has revealed the team’s mindset as they prepare for the upcoming Test series against India. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, McCullum said that the team is no longer just trying to improve but aiming to become a side that every English fan can be proud of.

McCullum sets bold goal for England team

The former New Zealand skipper believes the timing is right to aim for something big. England are slated to host India for a five-match Test series starting on 24 June. It will be their first major red-ball contest of the new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) for both teams. England have performed poorly in the first three editions of the WTC and would want to make amends this time around.

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“We’re not trying to pick this team up any more. It’s a matter of taking this team from a good team into being something English people are really proud of. We’re actually travelling pretty good but there’s an opportunity now. We’re working from a position of strength but now’s the time where we shoot for the stars,” McCullum said.

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McCullum on facing India

McCullum also highlighted how the challenge of facing India is something the team is excited about. The last time India toured England, they managed to draw the series. However, McCullum and his boys would want to hand India a defeat this time to start their campaign on a high.

“There’s no greater opportunity than playing in big series against the best opposition on the biggest stage under the brightest lights to be able to test that,” he said on the upcoming series against India.

Before they face India, England will take on Zimbabwe in a historic Test match, the first time in 22 years the African side will play red-ball cricket in England. McCullum warned against underestimating any opponent.

“This game has an amazing ability to bring you back down to earth if you don’t have the respect for the game or the respect for the opposition. We go into it as favourites so we need to make sure we’re rock hard fit and ready to go and make good decisions under pressure,” he said.

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