\England coach Brendon McCullum is setting ambitious goals for his team as they prepare for a pivotal 2025, highlighted by a high-stakes home Test series against India starting June 20 and the Ashes series in Australia later in the year. Since McCullum introduced his aggressive "Bazball" philosophy, England has transformed into one of the most exciting and successful Test teams globally, winning 22 of 35 Tests under his leadership.
Despite the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India remains a formidable opponent, and England has yet to secure a Test series win against them. The upcoming India series, along with the Ashes—played in Australia, a traditionally tough venue—will be critical challenges as England enters the new World Test Championship cycle.
McCullum emphasized that the focus is no longer on simply building the team but elevating it into one that the English public can truly take pride in. He conveyed confidence in England's current momentum but stressed that now is the time to aim higher and seize the moment on the biggest stages.
“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,” McCullum told BBC Radio 5 Live. “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.”
He added, “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.”
McCullum was also enthusiastic about the return of captain Ben Stokes after a long injury break. He praised Stokes as an intensely driven leader who constantly pushes himself and his teammates to achieve victory, reinforcing the team’s competitive edge.
“He [Stokes] is unbelievably driven, to push himself, to push his teammates, to win at all costs,” said McCullum. “We're very lucky to have him in the chair because he's going to be very strong about trying to push this team to the next level.”
The England-India Test series will comprise five matches, beginning at Headingley, promising a thrilling contest as England looks to assert itself against a strong Indian side and build momentum ahead of the Ashes down under.
