Cricket News: Four factors that turned around English Cricket in the last two series
English cricket has undergone quite a turnaround from the last two series. A change of leadership, accompanied by optimism, energy, and vibrance, has resurged English cricket. Let's look at key factors contributing immensely to this change
England captain Ben Stokes and new England men's Test coach Brendon McCullum (right) are key factors for England SuccessBen stokes as captain
Taking over the captaincy reins from former skipper Joe Root, Ben Stokes announced his leadership arrival with aggressive intent on the field, accompanied by all the players. Many cricket pundits have praised the all-rounder for introducing a positive sense among players, thus winning his maiden series by 3-0 against New Zealand as permanent captain. While the prevailing concerns, such as frailing top-order, have not been addressed by the skipper yet, some former cricketers believe it's too early to comment or complement the skipper for success.
Brendon McCullum as coach
Following the new captain's appointment, the English cricket board took another significant step towards making a new England team. New Zealand's former aggressive player and KKR's head coach Brendon McCullum was appointed as the head coach of England. England played two tests under him, and the intent was cleared from the first ball. Attack. The coach has been using his knowledge about players from IPL in international cricket to aid the English team. One prime example of this was in India's second inning, where the teleporter recorded the coach intimidating bowlers to bowl short balls to Shreyas Iyer. In no time, the batter was dismissed.
Fourth-inning dominance
One of the most significant contrasting factors distinguishing England's performance this summer from the summer of 2021 is their intent to chase in the fourth inning. The previous year, England declined to chase 273 in 75 overs at Lords after skipper Kane Williamson's bold declaration. Against India as well, they achieved the rare feat of being bowled out despite beginning the fourth inning after lunch on the final day.
And here is the new intent summer, where the team has already chased down a target of 250-plus thrice in the fourth inning to defeat New Zealand by 3-0 in the series. Thus, replacing their failure with the fearless intent of the play.
Change in Duke Ball's seam
The ball-tracking information shows that the ball is moving relatively less off the seam this summer (15% less deviation for pacers, especially for good or full length, according to CricViz data). This mystery of change in behavior of Duke ball added disadvantage to the visiting side, inadequately unaware and struggling to find the best length and line for each batter. Whereas the English bowlers who have practiced well in these conditions were well experienced to grab advantage in these home series.