Harry Brook has called on the England and Wales Cricket Board to retain Brendon McCullum as all-format coach after England's T20 World Cup campaign ended with a 45-run defeat to India in the highest-scoring semi-final in tournament history. Despite speculation over McCullum's future following a poor Ashes performance, Brook insisted the New Zealander remains "125%" the right man for the job.
Brook, named England's white-ball captain in April, praised his partnership with McCullum, saying: "Our partnership has been good throughout the competition... We get on very well and the communication has been outstanding. Long may it continue." He added: "He's the best coach I've ever had... The things he's done over the four years since he took over have changed English cricket for the best."
McCullum, while acknowledging England's underperformance in Australia, defended the white-ball side's efforts after they fell seven runs short of India's 253 in Mumbai. "It's a fine achievement... There's a lot to be proud of," he said. "I'd love to carry on... I think this team has a real opportunity over the coming years to improve and hopefully finish what we've started."
Brook singled out Jacob Bethell for praise after the youngster scored a superb century in the chase, calling him "a phenomenal player" destined for a "hell of a career." However, he admitted England struggled to match India's batting depth and home advantage. "They just have batsmen coming out of everywhere... Unfortunately, we didn't execute as well as we could have done tonight and that's cost us," he said.
