England’s rising batting star Harry Brook has heaped high praise on head coach Brendon McCullum, labeling him a tactical “mastermind” following England’s commanding victory over Pakistan in the recent Test series. Speaking to reporters after a Player of the Match performance, Brook highlighted how the fearless culture instilled by McCullum has transformed the dressing room into a space where players feel invincible regardless of the match situation. The young Yorkshireman credited the coach’s unconventional strategies and unwavering clarity for England’s ability to seize momentum on flat subcontinental tracks that usually favor a draw. According to Brook, McCullum’s genius lies in his ability to simplify the game, removing the fear of failure and encouraging his batters to take calculated risks that keep the opposition under constant pressure.
The victory in Pakistan is being viewed as another successful chapter in the “Bazball” era, where England’s aggressive brand of cricket continues to defy traditional Test match logic. Brook, who has become a linchpin of this middle order, explained that McCullum’s “mastermind” approach isn’t just about scoring fast, but about psychological dominance and making bold declarations that force a result. He noted that even when the team faced difficult periods during the chase, the coaching staff remained incredibly calm, which allowed the players to execute their plans with total confidence. As England looks ahead to a packed international schedule in 2026, the synergy between the captain and the head coach seems stronger than ever, with Brook emphasizing that the team is now playing a brand of cricket that is as much about entertaining the fans as it is about winning trophies