logo
How England's sledging practice turned India series on its head

How England's sledging practice turned India series on its head

Independent21-07-2025
No more Mr Nice Guys. When Brendon McCullum spoke, he had a message with a difference. England may have irritated some of their opponents with their words off the pitch, with the sense they were trying to save Test cricket in a flurry of sixes or wanted to chase 600 for the hell of it, but rarely on the field. Until last week.
Victory over India at Lord's came in a game with a difference. One indication that it wasn't Bazball as normal came when England chugged along at three runs an over, Ben Stokes grinding out runs on a slow pitch. It was about battling, not battering bowlers into submission.
But another came as they sought to prise out the 10 Indian wickets. England were verbal and vocal, combative and confrontational. There was a shift in strategy. McCullum, who can be a laidback emblem of Kiwi cool, had instigated it. Brook, a carefree antidote to some of the hard-nosed Yorkshiremen of cricketing past and cliche, bought into it.
'Baz said it to us a few days before,' the ODI captain revealed. 'He said sometimes we are a bit too nice.' It was a message Brook underlined on the third evening at Lord's. Shubman Gill had been particularly forthright in his comments to Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett when the openers occupied enough time to ensure a single over was bowled.
'I actually brought it up in the team chat after,' Brook said. 'I think we just felt the opportunity last week was the perfect time to be 11 players against them two like they were the night before. We had a little conversation and everybody saw them get stuck into Creeps and Ducky, and we just thought: 'I am not standing for that'. So we all piled into them.'
When there was a role reversal, when India batted, Brook was an audible presence near the bat. 'I suppose I was in the ring for the majority of it, being at slip,' he said. There have been times in recent years when England's aggression has come with the bat, when it has rained boundaries. But if part of the transformation of Indian cricket has been an assertiveness, a refusal to back down, England looked to show their toughness.
'That was the perfect opportunity to go out there and give them something back, and not be the nice guys that we have been in the last three or four years, and put them under pressure,' Brook said. 'It might have made a difference to them getting out or we might have just been very skilful and bowled well.'
That can be the great unknowable; whether a 22-run victory was chiselled out by excellence or intimidation. Mental disintegration, to borrow Steve Waugh's phrase, can conjure images of snarling Australians, though the scorebook never records who was talked out of their wicket. But perhaps some sledging practice could prove timely, given England's winter trip to Australia.
It doesn't necessarily make it the blueprint, or mean they will spend five days at Old Trafford quoting liberally from Merv Hughes at his most insulting. Brook felt England did not cross the line. 'I don't think it's against the spirit of cricket,' he said. 'We weren't being personal, we weren't being nasty, we were just putting them under more pressure. We weren't going out there effing and jeffing at them and being nasty people. We were just going about it in the right manner. It is not that we are going to be a horrible team going forward.'
But if the competitive juices were flowing, that enhanced the drama. In any case, Brydon Carse, according to his friend Brook, is invariably heated. 'You want people like that in your team,' Brook said. Then there is Jofra Archer, whose natural demeanour is less intense than Carse's.
Yet, Brook noted, 'I think he always bowls a little bit quicker when he is angry. One of the players told him to take his arm sleeve off at some point. The next ball was 94mph. We have probably got a bit of a job this week to try and get him angry at some point, and try and blow them away.'
That was said with a smile, but there is a point. England can talk a good game, but genuine speed has an eloquence of its own. 'When you have got two guys who are bowling 90mph, it is a brutal place to be playing,' Brook added.
The Stokes-McCullum era has been built on attacking batting and positive rhetoric more than express pace, which they have only had at times, and wars of words. They sought to start off by getting in their own players' heads. Which is an ongoing process, as McCullum has former All Blacks mental-skills coach Gilbert Enoka working with them at Old Trafford. But if the cliche is that nice guys finish last, the newer, harsher England are a victory away from a series win.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception
Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception

The Independent

timea minute ago

  • The Independent

Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception

England head coach Sarina Wiegman called for further investment in women's football to ensure the country remains a 'trailblazer' as her side celebrated their Euro 2025 success at a 'very, very special' reception at 10 Downing Street. After successfully defending their European crown with a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in the tournament's showpiece in Basel on Sunday evening, the England team flew home to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team arrived just before 7pm, with Number 10 decorated for the occasion with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. As Wiegman rose to speak to those gathered in the Downing Street garden she joked that 'this is different from standing next to a pitch'. She added: 'I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team. 'Thank you so much for having us here. It's very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it's the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.' Wiegman then used the moment to call for further investment in the women's game, with the Government due to announce a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football. 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls,' Wiegman said. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more. 'I heard we need to change some things about taxes…I think we have that confirmation tonight. So let's move forward. 'We need some more investment. We're not there yet. In England we're up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let's keep being the trailblazers.' In her own speech, Rayner congratulated Wiegman's team on defending their title 'with grit, with determination and with skill'. 'You roared, and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you,' Rayner said. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty for England in the shoot-out after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two outstanding saves. The game had gone to extra time and spot-kicks after Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey as it finished 1-1 following extra time. After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's plane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane. Holding the trophy, captain Leah Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside Wiegman. Outside the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home. A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. A trip to the Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides. Defender Jess Carter has not joined her team-mates for the celebrations in London as she has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC's NWSL match against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.

Chloe Kelly incident that caused 'cocky gesture' controversy after Lionesses Euros win
Chloe Kelly incident that caused 'cocky gesture' controversy after Lionesses Euros win

Daily Mirror

time2 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Chloe Kelly incident that caused 'cocky gesture' controversy after Lionesses Euros win

Lionesses star Chloe Kelly has been on the end of some fierce criticism from the Spanish media after steering England to victory against Spain in the Euro 2025 final Chloe Kelly's celebration after her Euros-winning penalty triggered bitter criticism across the Spanish media, with some slamming her as 'cocky'. The Lionesses star netted the winning spot-kick in Switzerland on Sunday evening. ‌ And in the process, she ensured that Sarina Wiegman 's side would be returning with their European championship crown firmly in tow. And while her successful penalty triggered wild celebrations for her home nation, Kelly was not as popular in Spain. ‌ Members of the Spanish media slammed the Arsenal star for seemingly celebrating in front of Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll. They wrote: "This is unnecessary, my friend: Kelly's cocky gesture to Cata Coll after scoring the decisive penalty. The England specialist changed her run during her penalty celebration to get past the goalkeeper she had just beaten." ‌ Kelly, 27, has yet to speak out on her perceived 'cocky' celebration - but did explain her somewhat conventional run-up to her spot-kick that involved a skip and a jump. She said: 'To be honest, it started when I was at Everton, quite a few years ago now. "It's something that just works for me. I can't explain it too much. I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it. 'It's just my routine that works for me. I take my time, I take my breath, and I'm confident in that. Taking a penalty normally would probably feel a bit weird to me. It's just my routine. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score, but I was adamant I was not missing two on the bounce.' Meanwhile, she praised her teammates and boss Sarina Wiegman for making it back-to-back titles. She said: "I'm so proud to be English! ... Every girl out there with that dream: you can do it. Keep reaching for the stars." "I am so proud of this team,' Kelly added to BBC Sport. 'So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. ‌ "Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable. It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it." Despite the criticism from Spain, the celebrations continued once the Lionesses arrived back on home soil. They were given a warm welcome by supporters when they stepped off of their flight, while the team then received a red carpet reception at Downing Street on Monday. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

England squad ratings: how all the Lionesses performed in Euro 2025 triumph
England squad ratings: how all the Lionesses performed in Euro 2025 triumph

The Guardian

time32 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

England squad ratings: how all the Lionesses performed in Euro 2025 triumph

Hannah Hampton (goalkeeper) Repaid her manager's faith after she was made England's No 1 before the tournament. Handled the pressure brilliantly with two player-of-the-match performances. Her two penalty saves in both of the Lionesses' shootouts were crucial, as was her shot-stopping throughout. Produced match-saving stops in the final to deny Esther González and Clàudia Pina while her last-minute effort against Italy ensured the game went to extra time. 9/10 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 630 | Saves made 17 | Goals conceded 7 | Passing accuracy 73.3% Lucy Bronze (defender) 'I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair,' Wiegman said after her exemplary quarter-final performance. England's warrior at right-back revealed after the final that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia. Epitomises the Lionesses' never-say-die attitude and provided leadership. The scenes of her bandaging up her own leg during the Sweden game before ripping it off to bury her penalty – her first for her country – will live long in the memory. 8 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 598 | Goals 1 | Assists 0 | Balls recovered 36 | Passing accuracy 78.34% | Yellow cards 1 Alex Greenwood (defender) Came into the tournament having just recovered from a knee injury and played every game. Started at centre-back but was shifted to full-back after the loss to France exposed England's left side. Her return to the position where she began her career brought more stability. Struggled defensively at times but was a key outlet going forward and built a strong relationship with Lauren Hemp. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 625 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Balls recovered 36 | Passing accuracy 82.5% | Yellow cards 0 Leah Williamson (defender) The first England captain to win back-to-back trophies and the first to do it overseas. Led her team by example both on and off the field while carrying an ankle knock. One of the best ball-playing centre-backs in Europe, her passing ability adds a different dynamic to the attack. A near perfect performance in the final where she didn't concede a single foul in 120 minutes. Only blemish was seeing her penalty saved. 8 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 580 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Balls recovered 47 | Passing accuracy 86.84% | Yellow cards 0 Jess Carter (defender) Struggled down the left against the speed of France and Sweden but looked much more comfortable when moved to centre-back. The character she displayed after receiving racist abuse was admirable. A quiet leader who gained her 50th cap during the tournament. Her performance in the final was standout for the way she commanded the backline and handled Spain's numerous tricky attackers with ease. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 431 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Balls recovered 27 | Passing accuracy 73% | Yellow cards 0 Keira Walsh (midfielder) Ever present at the heart of midfield. Can struggle to impact proceedings when marked out of games but found herself higher up the field than normal and influencing the attack. Strong dynamic with both Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone. Rewarded with a goal against France. Tireless performance marshalling Aitana Bonmatí in the final and played a crucial role in the buildup to Alessia Russo's equaliser. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 599 | Goals 1 | Assists 0 | Fouls committed 5 | Passing accuracy 82.67% | Yellow cards 0 Georgia Stanway (midfielder) Produced her best performance in an England shirt for quite a while in the final with her undimmed energy and tenacity in a challenge. Struggled at the start – not completely unexpected given her time out with injury – but grew into the tournament and role. Her two goals – one from the spot and one trademark effort from distance – contributed to the Lionesses' progression from the Group of Death. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 519 | Goals 2 | Assists 0 | Fouls committed 7 | Passing accuracy 81.5% | Yellow cards 0 Ella Toone (midfielder) 'I've missed this Ella Toone. I've not had it for a while,' Toone said after her standout performance against Wales. There is no doubt it has been a tough year for England's No 10 after the loss of her father, Nick in September. Found her form at the perfect time. Her marshalling of Patri Guijarro in the final was tireless and effective. 8 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 427 | Goals 2 | Assists 2 | Fouls committed 2 | Passing accuracy 84% | Yellow cards 1 Lauren James (forward) When Lauren James is on the pitch, anything can happen. Her recovery from a hamstring issue that had kept her out since March was a massive boost but maybe too soon for her to show her best consistently. Player-of-the-match worthy performance against the Dutch and Wales with the iconic celebrations to boot but an ankle injury sustained against Sweden and Italy hampered her performance in the final as she was forced off early. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 391 | Goals 2 | Assists 0 | Total attempts 14 | Passing accuracy 85.34% | Yellow cards 0 Lauren Hemp (forward) Another of England's injured cohort who just about made it back in time. Lack of minutes in the buildup to the tournament probably meant she wasn't always at her most effective but an ever-dependable outlet on the left. Her shift to the right side against Spain was a crucial tactical element to the Lionesses' success as she challenged Olga Carmona constantly with her speed. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 528 | Goals 1 | Assists 0 | Total attempts 13 | Passing accuracy 77% | Yellow cards 1 Alessia Russo (forward) Goals always matter when judging a centre-forward's performance and she was unable to find the form in front of goal that had served her so well this season – until the final, when she scored a superb header to equalise against Spain. She was not helped by a lack of service but it is her work out of possession that really influenced England. Her tireless running and intelligence in activating the press was second to none. 8 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 507 | Goals 2 | Assists 3 | Total attempts 16 | Passing accuracy 82.84% | Yellow cards 1 Esme Morgan (defender) Made her first major tournament appearance against Sweden as a second-half substitute and was instrumental to the success of England's shift to a back three that changed the course of the match. Her aerial ability and pace were crucial in steadying the defensive ship. Strong against Italy despite the pressure of the occasion with a performance that displayed her growing maturity. 7 Appearances 2 | Minutes played 170 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Balls recovered 12 | Passing accuracy 94.5% | Yellow cards 1 Michelle Agyemang (forward) The breakout star of Euro 2025. Propelled into the senior side at the last minute, the 19-year-old forward grabbed her opportunities with both hands. Displaying a maturity beyond her years, she was one of the Lionesses' gamechangers. Saved England's tournament twice with late equalisers against Sweden and Italy, while she came on to provide fresh energy with the score level in the final. Never looked fazed by the pressure. 9 Appearances 4 | Minutes played 138 | Goals 2 | Assists 0 | Total attempts 6 | Passing accuracy 72.5% | Yellow cards 1 Chloe Kelly (forward) England's title winner not once but twice. When Kelly enters the pitch, you know something will happen. Her impact from the bench was undeniable as she challenged tiring defences with her direct running and pinpoint deliveries. Her trademark penalty style just added to the story. A rollercoaster of a year but she finishes on a high with Champions League and Euros winners' medals. 9 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 251 | Goals 1 | Assists 2 | Total attempts 8 | Passing accuracy 78.84% | Yellow cards 1 Beth Mead (forward) Ever reliable when called upon despite the disappointment of having to start from the bench. Her goal against Wales and the celebrations that followed were emotional. Asked to play in every midfield position in the knockout stages and did so with competence. Added crucial defensive cover in addition to her attacking abilities. 7 Appearances 6 | Minutes played 278 | Goals 1 | Assists 1 | Total attempts 3 | Passing accuracy 71.67% | Yellow cards 1 Niamh Charles (defender) Reliable whenever she was called upon. Her goalline clearance against Sweden was notable as was the way she brought composure to England's defence in the latter stages against Spain. Confident penalty in the final shootout. 6 Appearances 5 | Minutes played 78 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Balls recovered 3 | Passing accuracy 82% | Yellow cards 0 Aggie Beever-Jones (forward) Saw less game time than she was perhaps hoping for but caught the eye when given her opportunity. An instinctive goalscorer, she opened her major tournament account with a fine finish against Wales. Crucial impact and energy from the bench to help England over the line in the semi-final. 7 Appearances 3 | Minutes played 74 | Goals 1 | Assists 1 | Total attempts 2 | Passing accuracy 79.34% | Yellow cards 0 Grace Clinton (midfield) Given limited time from the bench but replaced tired legs in midfield with efficiency on multiple occasions. Came on as the holding midfielder, which is not her natural position but performed it with confidence. 6 Appearances 5 | Minutes played 65 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Fouls committed 0 | Passing accuracy 78.41% | Yellow cards 0 Jess Park (forward) Made one appearance in her first major tournament as a senior coming on for Ella Toone. Played 45 minutes against Wales, looking comfortable in midfield. Would probably have hoped for more. 6 Appearances 1 | Minutes played 45 | Goals 0 | Assists 0 | Total attempts 1 | Passing accuracy 87% | Yellow cards 0 Anna Moorhouse (goalkeeper) Came into the squad off the back of an outstanding season at Orlando Pride, providing competition to a goalkeeping unit that was dealing with the loss of Mary Earps. Did not play. Khiara Keating (goalkeeper) Most likely England's No 2 in the tournament but was not called upon. A vivacious, bubbly character who, in her own words, brings the vibes and no doubt plenty of competition. Did not play. Maya Le Tissier (defender) Can count herself unlucky to be on the fringes after a superb season at Manchester United. Would have upped the levels in training and her leadership on the bench would have been key. Celebrations with Beever-Jones after the win against Sweden were an example of the team unit England have built. Did not play. Lotte Wubben-Moy (defender) The ultimate team player. Wiegman knows she can rely on her to step up behind the scenes and provide both competition and leadership on and off the field. Did not play. Sarina Wiegman (head coach) It often seems that Wiegman herself doesn't even understand how she has managed to win three straight European Championships. Guided England with composure and quiet leadership even in the tensest of moments. A clear bond with and trust in her players to create the environment where their resilience can thrive. Maybe a bit slow to make changes in games at times but it is hard to argue with her judgment given her record. 9

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store