Brendon McCullum Made Telling Comment for 'First Time Ever' After Ashes Defeat
Brendon McCullum made a telling comment that he has never mentioned before following England's crushing Ashes defeat in Perth.
England suffered a humiliating defeat in the first Test as Australia secured a convincing win inside just two days.
Travis Head, who opened his side's second innings, smashed 124 off 83 balls to inspire Australia to an eight-wicket victory.
The tourists had fought back after posting just 172 as they bowled out the hosts for 132, with Ben Stokes picking up a stunning five-wicket haul.
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But England were skittled out for 164 in the seconds innings, setting a measly target of 205.
The quick turnaround of innings didn't give England's bowlers a chance to recover after a gruelling slog in the first innings.
England's first innings lasted a mere 32.5 overs before being bowled out in 34.4 overs in the second innings.
Speaking on The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Alastair Cook recalled McCullum's comments about needing to give the bowlers a chance to rest, claiming he has never mentioned that before.
"McCullum mentioned that actually, and he's never mentioned that before ever," he said. "Saying 'we've got to find a way to get our boys more time off their feet'. Because their speeds were down in the second innings.
"Someone said it was only 1k, but it looked a lot wrong. I'm sorry. I think those stats are wrong."
England claimed just two wickets in Australia's second innings as they romped to an emphatic victory.
McCullum has urged England fans to 'keep the faith' ahead of the second Test, which starts on December 4.
"We are bitterly disappointed for us, but also for all the fans who have turned up here to support us so well," he said.
"I'd say keep the faith. We have a talented group, we believe in each other and are pretty level.
"That doesn't mean it won't hurt. But our best method to get back into it is doing what we've done before under pressure, which is staying tight and keep moving towards the target."
The second Ashes Test takes place at The Gabba and will be played with a pink ball given it is a day-night game.
Nasir Jabbar