Joe Root Backs Under-Fire McCullum: 'One of the Best Coaches I've Ever Had'

England's batting talisman Joe Root has delivered a resounding endorsement of head coach Brendon McCullum, describing the New Zealander as "one of the best coaches I've ever worked with" despite the scrutiny following a disappointing Ashes campaign.

The backing comes at a crucial time for McCullum, whose position has been under severe pressure following England's heavy defeat in Australia and reports of off-field behaviour issues within the squad.

Root Credits McCullum for Career-Best Form

Speaking after England's victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Root highlighted the transformative impact McCullum has had on his personal game.

"If you look at my own personal game, the time that he's been the coach, it's improved tenfold."

The statistics support Root's assessment emphatically. Since McCullum took charge in 2022, Root has established himself as the world's leading batter, accumulating 16 centuries in 46 Tests while averaging north of 56 – representing the most prolific period of his illustrious career.

England's Dressing Room Culture Under Scrutiny

The relaxed environment cultivated under McCullum's leadership has faced criticism, with allegations that the approach has gone too far. However, Root painted a different picture of the current atmosphere.

"Obviously it's more fun when you win. But I'm still having the best time of my life. I get to turn up and do the thing that I love every day with a great group of people, some brilliant minds and some experts that you can constantly keep improving and developing under."

United Front from England's Senior Players

Root's comments align with similar endorsements from captain Ben Stokes and vice-captain Harry Brook. Ahead of the Sydney Test, Stokes declared he could not imagine "someone else" replacing McCullum, while Brook described him as the best head coach he's had "by a million miles."

Despite the on- and off-field challenges, the England squad has notably remained united, with no signs of fracturing under the mounting pressure.

Root Backs Brook's Captaincy Credentials

The veteran batter also offered strong support for Harry Brook, who has faced his own scrutiny following a late-night altercation with a bouncer before leading England in an ODI against New Zealand.

"I think it's a natural feeling for anyone that's made a mistake that you feel like you've let people down. Harry's a great fella and he's going to be an incredible captain. He clearly feels bad about what happened, but from my side of things, he's got a job to do and I think he's doing it exceptionally well.

He's apologised, he's taken his punishment and he's desperate to take this team forward. So I'm fully behind him and want to see him move past it and learn from it and grow as a person and as a captain off the back of it."

Series-Levelling Victory Provides Relief

Root and Brook combined for a crucial partnership of 81 in a challenging run-chase of 220 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Their efforts secured a win that levelled the series at 1-1, marking England's first away ODI victory in 12 attempts and the first overseas win for both Brook as captain and McCullum as coach.

Defending England's recent struggles in the format, where they have won only six of their last 20 matches, Root pointed to contextual factors.

"I don't think it's as simple as that. We've lost five tosses in a row on some very one-sided wickets in New Zealand and here. I thought Brooky's captaincy was excellent, very shrewd and the guys performed and did what was required on that wicket."

Ashes Reflection on Hold

Root indicated he would take time after the Sri Lanka series to properly reflect on the disappointing Australian campaign. Not involved in the T20 World Cup, his next assignment will be the home Test series against New Zealand in June.

"I want to step back because it clearly hurts. You go there and at no time do you think you're going into any series expecting to lose, especially with the players that we've got.

I could sit here and get wound up and angry about it, and probably say something that I don't necessarily mean, or I could give myself some time to properly reflect on it and then have a proper, honest conversation with a bit more reason and sense behind it."

Looking Ahead: Can McCullum Adapt?

While the ECB appears reluctant to make wholesale changes, with managing director Rob Key reportedly set to retain his position, the focus remains on whether McCullum can evolve England's approach.

Captain Ben Stokes has acknowledged the team's need to adapt, conceding that opposition teams have worked out how to counter their aggressive style in recent years. The question now is whether McCullum possesses the flexibility to implement necessary changes – and whether he wants to.

For Root, however, the message is clear: the coach who has overseen the best years of his career deserves continued support as England look to rebuild after their Ashes disappointment.