PAK vs ENG: "There's Maverick In It And Genius In A Lot Of It" - Brendon McCullum On Ben Stokes' Work On And Off The Field

After the team’s 3-0 Test series victory over Pakistan, England’s head coach Brendon McCullum finds it “frightening” to consider how outstanding a captain Ben Stokes may become.

The third and final Test of the series was won by England over Pakistan on Tuesday, December 20, at the National Stadium in Karachi by an astounding eight wickets. For a home Test series, this is the first time a team has fully crushed Pakistan.

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Brendon McCullum Hails Super Impressive Ben Stokes

The squad has played exceptionally well to win the series in Pakistan, according to the former New Zealand hitter who is credited with bringing about a dramatic transformation in England’s approach to playing Test cricket. 

“Ben has had a transformative influence in the year gone by and his work on and off the field is fantastic,” McCullum told Sky Sports. 

“There’s maverick in it and genius in a lot of it,” he added. 

“He’s just got an insatiable appetite to keep moving the game forward, which is super-impressive. But for me, it’s the man management, it’s the consistency of message, it’s the pure passion and drive that he’s got to make a significant difference in Test cricket, and English cricket, which is most impressive. 

“So I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve taken over this job when Stokesy has got the reins, and I think he’s only going to get better and better and better, which is quite scary. 

“Because if he continues to improve and drive this team forward then, with the talent that sits within the dressing room, they will give it a good shake anyway.” 

Ben Stokes Want To Leave A Legacy And Impact On Test Cricket: Brendon McCullum

McCullum downplayed his contribution to England’s development and lauded Stokes for being outstanding throughout the series and his ability to bring the most out of every player on the squad. 

“I think this side is shaping out to be very much in the image of the captain. It is his mantra,” McCullum said. 

“He wants to do something significant and leave a legacy and impact on Test cricket and he is getting there,” he added. 

“I don’t do bugger all, to be honest,” McCullum joked. 

“I just make sure that the guys remain consistent with their own beliefs, and that they all want to be the best version of themselves. To be honest, it’s a really easy job … don’t tell my bosses. But I’m really enjoying myself, and I couldn’t I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to be honest.”

At his post-game press conference held here on Tuesday, Ben Stokes expressed his satisfaction with the series’ conclusion. 

“It will sink in once we go home for Christmas and New Year. To win three nil out here is something to look back on with pride.”

We Can’t Finish Off Matches: Babar Azam

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan’s Test squad, believed that the group was still being rebuilt. 

“We will look back at this series and try not to repeat the same mistakes again. There were positives in this series for us and we must learn from them,” Babar said at the National Stadium. 

The Pakistani captain emphasised that Test cricket required players with experience. Additionally, he stipulated that no player in the tests had their doors shut. 

“We were in a position to win in the first two Tests but didn’t seize the opportunity and that has been our problem we can’t finish off matches from positions of strength.” 

Also Read:PAK vs ENG: “Last 7 Months Of English Men’s Cricket Is The Best Of All Time” – Michael Vaughan

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