Are England too nice? They think so – and this is how they're changing it
And pace bowler Brydon Carse has explicitly linked this abrasive approach to how England want to battle Australia for the Ashes here, where England have not won a Test match since 2011, the last time they retained the urn away from home.
After a spiteful Lord's Test where players on both sides lost their cool on several occasions, Brook said that coach Brendon McCullum – who has employed his friend and former New Zealand psychologist Gilbert Enoka to help motivate the England players – told the team before the game that they were 'too nice' to opponents.
When Indian captain Shubman Gill harried the England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett as they tried to avoid another over being bowled on the third evening, Brook used the episode as a pretext to initiate a sledging barrage for the remainder of the match, which England went on to win narrowly.
''Baz' actually said a few days before the Test that we are too nice sometimes and I brought it up the night before the last day – I said, 'I think tomorrow is a perfect opportunity to really get stuck into them,'' Brook said before the fourth Test in Manchester. England lead India 2-1 with two Tests to play.
'We had a little conversation the night before, where everybody saw them guys get stuck into 'Creeps' and 'Ducky' [Crawley and Duckett] and we just thought, 'We're not having that'. We all piled into them.
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'I've had a lot of compliments. Everybody says it was awesome to watch and it looked like there was 11 versus two out there when we were fielding and it was good fun. It made fielding a lot more enjoyable.'
Carse, who bowled a fiery spell to set England on the path to winning at Lord's while defending a small fourth innings target, said that expectations of a difficult Ashes assignment had the players thinking about making sure they were similarly aggressive in Australia.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Walters embraces 'lifetime' chance to coach Australia
Kevin Walters won a World Cup final for Australia with a famous pass as a player and now is "proud" he gets to coach the Kangaroos on the three-Test tour of England. Walters, 57, replaces new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga in the role on a 12-month contract and said he had put aspirations to coach in the NRL again on hold in 2026. "Certainly. At the moment, my focus is the Kangaroos," Walters said. "I want to do a great job there with the Ashes series. It's a big job. "It's a 12-month contract so it's the opportune time for me to come in and get some hard work done and then prepare these guys for what will be a very tough series. "When that phone call came to ask if I would be interested in coaching the Kangaroos, the hairs on the back of my neck really stood up and bristled. "As a kid, you dream about ... playing for the Kangaroos, which I was fortunate enough to achieve, and now to be given the opportunity to coach them, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Walters coached Queensland to two State of Origin series wins out of four and was at the helm of Brisbane when they reached the 2023 grand final before being sacked at the end of the following year. If successful on the Ashes tour there is a strong chance he would be retained for next year's World Cup to be hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Walters played 12 Tests for Australia and was a hero of the 1992 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium. The Kangaroos were trailing 6-4 when Walters came off the bench to throw a classic "out ball" to his Brisbane teammate Steve Renouf who scored the match winner in 10-6 win. Former NSW coach Brad Fittler turned down the opportunity to replace Meninga while former Kangaroos coach and current South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett was ruled out of contention by the Commission due to his club responsibilities. Former Australia captain Cameron Smith told 100% Footy on Monday night that despite being interested in the coaching role, he was not given the opportunity to present his case. He did receive notification from ARLC chairman Peter V'landys that Walters had got the job. "He gave me a phone call to let me know the decision was made to go with Kev and that was about it," Smith said. "I'm happy with that decision, I respect that decision. "If I had an opportunity to put my case forward I would've but the decision was made by the game's hierarchy to go with Kevvie and I think it's a great appointment." During the conversation Smith said V'landys spoke about a possible assistant role. "That could be something to look at but I've not had any further discussions with Peter or Andrew Abdo or anyone in the NRL about that," he said. Walters said a possible role for Smith on the coaching staff was "something that we'll have to have a look at". "I'm not sure of Cameron's position at the moment and what he wants to do but he's been a great leader for the Kangaroos and I have worked with Smithy as a captain-coach relationship with the Queensland team for a few years," Walters said. "We've got a good relationship. I'll get my feet under the desk first. There's a lot of decisions to be made around staff. Certainly, we'll look at that in the next couple of days." Kevin Walters won a World Cup final for Australia with a famous pass as a player and now is "proud" he gets to coach the Kangaroos on the three-Test tour of England. Walters, 57, replaces new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga in the role on a 12-month contract and said he had put aspirations to coach in the NRL again on hold in 2026. "Certainly. At the moment, my focus is the Kangaroos," Walters said. "I want to do a great job there with the Ashes series. It's a big job. "It's a 12-month contract so it's the opportune time for me to come in and get some hard work done and then prepare these guys for what will be a very tough series. "When that phone call came to ask if I would be interested in coaching the Kangaroos, the hairs on the back of my neck really stood up and bristled. "As a kid, you dream about ... playing for the Kangaroos, which I was fortunate enough to achieve, and now to be given the opportunity to coach them, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Walters coached Queensland to two State of Origin series wins out of four and was at the helm of Brisbane when they reached the 2023 grand final before being sacked at the end of the following year. If successful on the Ashes tour there is a strong chance he would be retained for next year's World Cup to be hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Walters played 12 Tests for Australia and was a hero of the 1992 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium. The Kangaroos were trailing 6-4 when Walters came off the bench to throw a classic "out ball" to his Brisbane teammate Steve Renouf who scored the match winner in 10-6 win. Former NSW coach Brad Fittler turned down the opportunity to replace Meninga while former Kangaroos coach and current South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett was ruled out of contention by the Commission due to his club responsibilities. Former Australia captain Cameron Smith told 100% Footy on Monday night that despite being interested in the coaching role, he was not given the opportunity to present his case. He did receive notification from ARLC chairman Peter V'landys that Walters had got the job. "He gave me a phone call to let me know the decision was made to go with Kev and that was about it," Smith said. "I'm happy with that decision, I respect that decision. "If I had an opportunity to put my case forward I would've but the decision was made by the game's hierarchy to go with Kevvie and I think it's a great appointment." During the conversation Smith said V'landys spoke about a possible assistant role. "That could be something to look at but I've not had any further discussions with Peter or Andrew Abdo or anyone in the NRL about that," he said. Walters said a possible role for Smith on the coaching staff was "something that we'll have to have a look at". "I'm not sure of Cameron's position at the moment and what he wants to do but he's been a great leader for the Kangaroos and I have worked with Smithy as a captain-coach relationship with the Queensland team for a few years," Walters said. "We've got a good relationship. I'll get my feet under the desk first. There's a lot of decisions to be made around staff. Certainly, we'll look at that in the next couple of days." Kevin Walters won a World Cup final for Australia with a famous pass as a player and now is "proud" he gets to coach the Kangaroos on the three-Test tour of England. Walters, 57, replaces new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga in the role on a 12-month contract and said he had put aspirations to coach in the NRL again on hold in 2026. "Certainly. At the moment, my focus is the Kangaroos," Walters said. "I want to do a great job there with the Ashes series. It's a big job. "It's a 12-month contract so it's the opportune time for me to come in and get some hard work done and then prepare these guys for what will be a very tough series. "When that phone call came to ask if I would be interested in coaching the Kangaroos, the hairs on the back of my neck really stood up and bristled. "As a kid, you dream about ... playing for the Kangaroos, which I was fortunate enough to achieve, and now to be given the opportunity to coach them, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Walters coached Queensland to two State of Origin series wins out of four and was at the helm of Brisbane when they reached the 2023 grand final before being sacked at the end of the following year. If successful on the Ashes tour there is a strong chance he would be retained for next year's World Cup to be hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Walters played 12 Tests for Australia and was a hero of the 1992 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium. The Kangaroos were trailing 6-4 when Walters came off the bench to throw a classic "out ball" to his Brisbane teammate Steve Renouf who scored the match winner in 10-6 win. Former NSW coach Brad Fittler turned down the opportunity to replace Meninga while former Kangaroos coach and current South Sydney mentor Wayne Bennett was ruled out of contention by the Commission due to his club responsibilities. Former Australia captain Cameron Smith told 100% Footy on Monday night that despite being interested in the coaching role, he was not given the opportunity to present his case. He did receive notification from ARLC chairman Peter V'landys that Walters had got the job. "He gave me a phone call to let me know the decision was made to go with Kev and that was about it," Smith said. "I'm happy with that decision, I respect that decision. "If I had an opportunity to put my case forward I would've but the decision was made by the game's hierarchy to go with Kevvie and I think it's a great appointment." During the conversation Smith said V'landys spoke about a possible assistant role. "That could be something to look at but I've not had any further discussions with Peter or Andrew Abdo or anyone in the NRL about that," he said. Walters said a possible role for Smith on the coaching staff was "something that we'll have to have a look at". "I'm not sure of Cameron's position at the moment and what he wants to do but he's been a great leader for the Kangaroos and I have worked with Smithy as a captain-coach relationship with the Queensland team for a few years," Walters said. "We've got a good relationship. I'll get my feet under the desk first. There's a lot of decisions to be made around staff. Certainly, we'll look at that in the next couple of days."
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia thump West Indies after Inglis and Green masterclass
Key posts 3.08pm Green, Inglis brutalise Windies attack to double series lead 11.54am Maxwell opening for Australia 11.38am Australia need 173 to go 2-0 up 11.23am Connolly drops a catch, Ellis gets Russell 11.03am Zampa strikes twice in three balls 10.32am King passes 50 then is out to Zampa 9.37am Australia win the toss and bowl first again 9.37am India and England getting spicier by the minute Hide key posts Latest posts Latest posts 3.08pm Green, Inglis brutalise Windies attack to double series lead By Daniel Brettig Cameron Green brutalised the West Indies bowlers for the second time in as many matches, this time aided by the impish Josh Inglis, to give Australia a 2-0 lead after Andre Russell's final two Twenty20 internationals. A partisan crowd at Sabina Park was briefly thrilled by Russell's parting 36 from 15 balls, but were later having to duck for cover as Inglis (78 from 33) and Green (56 from 32) made remarkably short work of a chase for 173 to win, rushing to the target with 28 balls to spare. Glenn Maxwell had been promoted to open and made a momentary dent in the left-arm spin of Akeal Hosein, before his exit to Jason Holder was soon followed by that of captain Mitchell Marsh. At 2-42 in the sixth over this game was in dispute, but Inglis and Green had other ideas as they added 131 in a mere 59 balls. Both sides struck 12 sixes apiece, but Inglis, Green and the rest of the Australian top four totalled 24 boundaries in all, well clear of the West Indies' tally of 19. Russell, for what it's worth, reckoned that the West Indies total was at least 20 runs short of being competitive. The combatants were somewhat sloppy in the field, shelling seven catches between them. However, Australia's target was kept manageable by the diligence of a bowling attack that has succeeded in corralling the Caribbean side's big hitters for successive games on a ground of small dimensions. Adam Zampa (3-29) did not take a wicket in game one, but he made up for it this time around, while Nathan Ellis (2-34), Maxwell (2-15) and the Twenty20 debutant Matt Kuhnemann all played their roles soundly. 'We dropped four catches along with them [West Indies], so we need to sharpen up there, but I think just all around, the West Indies can put you under a lot of pressure,' Marsh said. 'I thought our spinners were fantastic. Our fifth bowling option as a collective was really good. 'They made use of the conditions and then, Josh Inglis is playing like that, there aren't many bowlers in the world that can bowl to him, so that was outstanding.' Inglis has long been capable of inflicting rare damage on white-ball bowling attacks, and already has two T20 international centuries under his belt. But with each such destructive innings, Inglis will add to the temptation for Australia's selectors to toss him back into Test cricket during the home Ashes summer, perhaps in place of Beau Webster at No.6. That kind of scenario will only be possible if Green is back bowling well, to ease pressure on Australia's ageing frontliners, but the growing authority he has shown at the batting crease on this tour can only help. 1.39pm Captain Mitch Marsh on a memorable win 'We dropped four catches along with them (the West Indies), so we need to sharpen up there, but I think just all around, the West Indies can put you under a lot of pressure. 'I thought our spinners were fantastic. Our fifth bowling option as a collective was really good. 'They made use of the conditions and then, Josh Inglis is playing like that, there aren't many bowlers in the world that can bowl to him, so that was outstanding.' 1.19pm Australia thump West Indies after Inglis and Green masterclass By Tom Decent What a dominant display in Kingston. Josh Inglis (78 off 33 balls) and Cameron Green (56 off 32) have put on a magnificent 131-run stand to get Australia home by eight wickets with 28 deliveries remaining. Despite the early loss of Glenn Maxwell (12 off 10) and Mitch Marsh (21 off 17), Inglis and Green were completely dominant against a West Indies attack bereft of answers. There were a number of dropped catches and Australia made the hosts pay in a big way after initially being 2-42 after 5.3 overs. Great batting as Australia finish on 2-173 and take a 2-0 lead with three matches to play. The next game is on Saturday at 10am AEST. Inglis and Green hit nine sixes between them. Dangerous scenes being in the stands at Sabina Park when those two are on song. 1.15pm Green brings up half century from 28 balls Australia are putting on a clinic at the moment. With a cover drive to the boundary, Cam Green brings up a half century from 28 balls. Hasn't taken any crazy risks and has made full use of the short boundaries straight. All but over now as Inglis smashes a six over mid-wicket. Run chases don't come much better. 1.08pm Holder drops Inglis as 100-run partnership comes up Not ideal. Josh Inglis skies a ball and Jason Holder runs back to take the catch but make a meal of it. Didn't look like grabbing it. Needed that to stay in the game did the Windies. Salt in the wound as Cam Green carts Holder for six over mid-wicket next ball. Happens so often. Inglis is taking the mickey now. Clubs one over fine leg to go to 67 off 30 balls. Heck of an innings. The 100-run partnership comes off 52 balls. Things really falling apart for the Windies here. Australia 2-147 after 14 overs, require 26 from 36 balls 1.04pm Australia need 45 off 42 balls Cam Green whacks Motie for a six down the ground and a four to ensure his side remains in an auspicious position to get the job done. Eight wickets in the sheds is a great spot to be in. Australia 2-128, require 45 runs from 42 balls. 12.59pm Inglis brings up half century with monster six Andre Russell bangs one into the deck but Inglis follows through and creams it onto the roof of Sabina Park straight down the ground. So much for Russell's farewell match… It's been an impressive half century from Inglis and it comes off 22 balls. Fun fact ... Inglis has two T20I hundreds (110 vs India in 2023 and 103 vs Scotland in 2024) but has never made a score between 50 and 100 in this format. Wow. Arguably an even more impressive shot as Inglis plays a reverse ramp for four. The fact it was so full and fast … superb. Then another two balls later, this time over the wicketkeeper. Ridiculous 360 degree batting. Australia in a strong position to take a 2-0 lead in this five-match series Australia 2-116, require 57 off 48 balls 12.52pm 100 up for Australia The visitors have consolidated nicely after the early loss of Maxwell and Marsh. A lovely mix of singles and big bombs to keep the scoreboard ticking over and get that required run rate under eight an over. If this pair can bat for another five overs, call it off. Inglis is 44 and Green 21. 12.45pm It's raining sixes in Kingston Inglis really ups the tempo with a six over mid-wicket off Motie. Very clever use of the crease, rocking back to thump one into the stands towards the Kingston Cricket Club. Cam Green now cracks one out of Sabina Park over square leg. Australia's batsmen had a centre wicket practice session with pink balls under lights three days before the third Test. Green, clearly with one eye on the T20 series that followed, was belting balls out of the ground. Similar shot just then. At the halfway mark, Australia look like they should get the job done. 12.37pm Inglis thumps Joseph as Australia take 19 runs off an over Alzarri Joseph is copping a bit of tap as Josh Inglis goes 6, 4, 4, from balls one, five and six of Joseph's second over. Now has figures of 1-28 from two. Australia's have got that required run rate a little bit more under control. Australia 2-72 from eight overs, require 101 in 72 balls
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
Jason Sangha pushes Test case with unbeaten double ton
Jason Sangha has given his Test prospects a massive boost after striking an unbeaten double century for Australia A in their drawn first-class clash with Sri Lanka A in Darwin. In reply to Sri Lanka's dominant 6-485 declared, Sangha posted 202no off 379 balls as Australia A reached a monster 4-558 before the game was declared a draw on the cusp of tea on day four. Opener Jake Weatherald (183) led the way for the hosts on Tuesday in a knock that gave his own Test hopes a boost. But it was the Sangha show on Wednesday. The 25-year-old began the day unbeaten on 121, and the skipper continued to pile on the pain on the way to his maiden double century in first-class cricket. Sangha's previous highest score in first-class cricket was 151, but he blew that away on the batter-friendly deck at the Marrara Cricket Ground. Only 10 wickets fell across the four days, with the two-match series finishing in a dull 0-0 draw. Sangha's star is well and truly on the rise. He struck an unbeaten 126 to lead South Australia to a tense four-wicket victory in last season's Sheffield Shield final against Queensland, helping the Redbacks break a 29-year title drought. Sangha averaged 78.2 across six Shield games last season, and he looms as part of generation next for the Australian Test team. Eighteen-year-old Oliver Peake is also part of that next generation, with his 92 off 178 balls against Sri Lanka A on Wednesday further showcasing his talents. It came after Peake scored an unbeaten 55 off just 38 balls during Australia A's series-opening one-day win over Sri Lanka A on July 4. Meanwhile, Weatherald's century on Tuesday came at the perfect time, with the opener a real chance to be called up into the Test arena for this summer's Ashes if he can keep his form going. Australia's current opening pairing of Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas flopped badly in the recent Test series against the West Indies, raising questions about whether it's time to inject Weatherald. Weatherald led the Shield run charts last season with 906 runs at an average of 50.3, and his scores of 54 and 183 across his two first-class hitouts against Sri Lanka A will further bolster his cause.
