Brendon McCullum believes England are back on track.
The head coach said that under the fresh leadership of Harry Brook, England’s white-ball cricket is regaining its edge.
Mr McCullum, who alongside Ben Stokes has transformed England’s Test fortunes, is now focused on rebuilding the limited-overs side following a disappointing end to Jos Buttler’s captaincy.
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England have started this new era strongly, sweeping the West Indies 3-0 in both the ODI and T20 series.
Mr McCullum said: “They’re two good leaders and two very different personalities.
“There’s a lot of similarities and a couple of different characteristics in those two.
“One is probably a little bit more prickly and the other probably keeps things relatively simple, but they both believe in getting around their team-mates, trying to empower them and give them great confidence.
“I think both of them have very creative minds as well, in terms of tactics, and they’re prepared to have a bit of a punt at times.
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“They’re both fiercely competitive to win and to ensure that this team reaches the level they want it to, but they also have a good perspective on where they’re at in life.
“Harry has taken to captaincy extremely well and looks like he’s got a pretty simple style he wants to run the team with.
“All in all, I think we’ve ticked a few boxes.”
Mr McCullum also drew parallels between Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, noting leadership qualities shared by both.
He said that, just as Mr Stokes leaned on Joe Root during his early days as Test captain, Mr Brook is benefiting from the support of Jos Buttler.
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Mr Buttler was named player of the series in the T20s against the West Indies, scoring 165 runs at a strike rate of 157, and has played a key role in backing Mr Brook’s leadership.
Mr McCullum said: “It’s great for Brookie, having Jos step back into the ranks.
“He’s really investing in things.
“I think for a new captain to have that buy-in from the previous captain is imperative to ensure your message gets across to the group.
“It’s not different to Joe with Stokesy.
“You’ve got to thank Jos for that.”
With the white-ball series complete, Mr McCullum’s focus now shifts to red-ball cricket and the upcoming five-match Test series against India, which begins at Headingley on June 20.
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A key selection decision looms at number three, with Jacob Bethell pushing Ollie Pope for the spot.
Mr Pope’s 171 against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge last month has strengthened his case, but Mr Bethell has impressed with 184 runs off 130 balls and six wickets in the recent West Indies series.
Mr McCullum said: “He’s a serious talent at 21 years of age.
“It’s all in front of him.
“He’s got a good life coming up, I reckon.
“I think we’ll deal with that (selection) in the next few days.
“You welcome those decisions.
“You’ve got guys who are banging the door down and that’s what you want.
“But let’s see this one sink in, then we’ll enjoy the next few days and start to plot and plan our way towards that first Test match.”
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