Bazball, Bethell and Brook – talking points as England tour India

Brendon McCullum has been brought on board for England’s white-ball sides after they relinquished both World Cup crowns in the last 18 months.

Published 12 hours ago

Brendon McCullum begins his tenure as England’s all-format head coach on Wednesday as his side go up against India in the first of five T20s in Kolkata.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points of the tour, which also comprises three ODIs as a warm-up for next month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Bazball expands to white ball

Under the McCullum-Ben Stokes axis, England have won 22 of 35 Tests having triumphed just once in their previous 17. Pivotal to the transformation has been a more relaxed environment, with McCullum emboldening his players to push the envelop largely free from fear of consequences. He has been brought on board for England’s white-ball sides after they relinquished both World Cup crowns in the last 18 months. And the early signs are the former New Zealand captain will bring the same style to the T20 and ODI teams as he is “desperate for us to play a really watchable brand of cricket”.

Pace, pace, pace

Jofra Archer and Mark Wood converse during an ODI — Mark Wood, left, and Jofra Archer will be unleashed on India on Wednesday (Mike Egerton/PA)

Bethell on the up

Jacob Bethell batting for England — Jacob Bethell has had a remarkable start to his international career (Adam Davy/PA)

Deputy Harry

Harry Brook celebrates a century — Harry Brook, pictured, has been named England’s white-ball vice-captain (Owen Humphreys/PA)

India up in arms

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrate with the T20 World Cup trophy — Virat Kohli, left, and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20s for India (PA)