shot-button
E-paper E-paper
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > Ind vs Eng 2nd Test Brendon McCullum admits England failed to live up to their own expectations

Ind vs Eng 2nd Test: Brendon McCullum admits England failed to live up to their own expectations

Updated on: 07 July,2025 03:01 PM IST  |  Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent |

Chasing a target of 608 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 271 runs. With this victory, India levelled the series by 1-1 under Shubman Gill's captaincy

Ind vs Eng 2nd Test: Brendon McCullum admits England failed to live up to their own expectations

Brendon McCullum. Pic/AFP

Listen to this article
Ind vs Eng 2nd Test: Brendon McCullum admits England failed to live up to their own expectations
x
00:00

After suffering thumping defeat in the second Test match against Team India, England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, admitted that the hosts were not able to play in the way they wanted to and also stated that they missed an opportunity at the time of the toss.

"We ran second for five days. I thought India played exceptionally well. Shubman Gill was at an elite level and played brilliantly on this pitch. We weren’t quite able to play how we wanted to on it, and they thoroughly deserved to win," McCullum said in an interview with BBC Test Match Special.


"I think as the game unfolded we probably looked back on that toss and said did we miss an opportunity there and it’s probably fair. We didn’t expect that the wicket would play quite as it did and hence we probably got it slightly wrong," he added.



Chasing a target of 608 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 271 runs. With this victory, India levelled the series at 1-1 under Shubman Gill's captaincy.

Apart from Gill's centuries (269 in the first innings and 161 in the second innings), Akash Deep's heroics with the ball were the highlights of the second Test.

“But we did have them 200-5 and we weren’t able to capitalise on that position and when you win the toss and bowl you’re hoping to, well you’re not anticipating the opposition’s going to score 580 and then from that point we’re behind the game,” said the 43-year-old.

In England's first innings, Harry Brook scored 158 runs in 234 balls, including 17 boundaries and a maximum. He was supported by Jamie Smith, who stayed unbeaten on 184 runs. His knock came in 207 deliveries, which was  with 21 boundaries and four maximums.

Speaking about their knocks, McCullum said that it was the only thing that helped them to get any balance in the game.

"It was only a brilliant partnership from Jamie Smith and Harry Brook which gave us any balance in the game throughout the five days. That’s something we’ve got to look at. We’re not rigid with our plans," said the veteran of 101 Test matches.

(With IANS Inputs)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

India vs England brendon mccullum test cricket cricket news sports news Sports Update

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK