Michael Atherton believes Brendon McCullum’s comments about England being “over-prepared” ahead of their loss in the second Ashes Test were “a bit tone-deaf” and will “lead to hurt supporters”.
England suffered heavy defeats in the first two Ashes Tests against Australia and now face a must-win Test in Adelaide from Wednesday 17 December.
After England lost 2-0 in Brisbane for a second eight-wicket drubbing, England coach McCullum felt the “five days of intense training” ahead of the Test may have backfired.
Let’s talk about the latest version sky sports cricket A podcast from Australia with Nasser Hussain has former England captain Atherton making his own comments about McCullum’s comments during a tour where the visitors’ preparations have come under regular media scrutiny.
“It will excite England fans because they will be seeing a team that hasn’t played much and hasn’t necessarily practiced that much,” Atherton said in discussions with Hussain.
“I guess what that means is that because that (first) Test ended early and we didn’t go to Canberra, what was supposed to be three days of practice turned into five days because we booked extra nets.
“And his point was that five-day netting can actually dull the sharpness a little bit – over-netting. So I knew what he was trying to say, but it was a bit tone-deaf, wouldn’t it? It would have hurt England supporters.”
“But I think you use the net wisely and sharpen it. But then again, that was his calling.”
England’s preparations for the away series have come under scrutiny after two days of play against the England Lions ahead of the first Test, and the entire starting XI was left out for the pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI before the second Test.
The team and support staff traveled to Noosa, Queensland, for a pre-planned break on Tuesday afternoon. We flew to Adelaide on Saturday before the series began, with no cricket training taking place.
England will then train on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before the third Test begins at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday (11.30pm UK time on Tuesday).
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Australian radio station 92.7 Mix FM tracked the England cricket team as they relaxed on a sled on the beach, which was delightfully filmed by Ben Stokes!
During his visit to Noosa, Atherton said: “As expected, there is a bit of anti-aircraft fire flying around and the local press has sent people out there, which means that if you are down 2-0, it is inevitable that you will be in trouble.
“And what are they supposed to do? Sit in a dark room and eat bread and water? I saw Ben Stokes taking the picture, right? And I thought, ‘Good, actually. I should be able to laugh.'”
“They’ve had some R&R and will be back on Sunday.”
Fellow former England captain Hussein said: “We all said the biggest problem in both games was their thinking.
“Understanding the situation, when to defend, when to attack, etc. The most important part of the body, the brain, is failing them.
“So I think it’s right to empty your brain. When you come to the next place and sit there and train every day, that mental fear and baggage stays with you. They need to empty their brains.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
England’s decision to take the half-time break on the Sunshine Coast was criticized by the Australian media, but was defended by rival wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
And on England’s plans for the tour up to this point, Atherton said: “I think the biggest mistake was before the first Test. I think three or four days at Lilac Hill against the Lions was inadequate for the upcoming game.”
“But the Canberra decision and the Noosa decision are really good in this series.”
Ashes series 2025-26 in Australia
Australia leads 2-0 for 5 consecutive games
