Brendon McCollum, ‘bold and inspiring’ recruit as England men’s test coach, says Michael Atherton as he pays tribute to husband Ben Stokes | cricket news sky news

Sky Sports Cricket Michael Atherton says Brendon McCollum is a “bold and inspiring choice” as the new men’s Test coach for England, and believes he and Ben Stokes will make a “courageous and aggressive” combination.

McCollum, the former New Zealand captain, was confirmed to succeed Chris Silverwood on Thursday, marking another key appointment for England following the arrival of Rob Key as chief executive and the appointment of Stokes as Test captain.

McCollum lacks experience as a red ball coach – he is currently in charge of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise in the Indian Premier League – but Athers has agreed to hire the Kiwi legend, 40.

“I think it’s a very bold and imaginative choice, and an inspiring choice by Rob Key,” Atherton said.

“Giving captain Ben Stokes was the obvious choice and so his first big decision was to give Brendon McCollum the task of testing.

“About a week ago, I don’t think it was on anyone’s radar, so he didn’t make the obvious choice here, but I think it was a very bold choice.”

Please use Chrome browser to get more easy video player

James Cole discusses former New Zealand captain Brendon McCollum’s priorities as the new coach of the Men’s England Test is announced.

McCollum has extensive experience as an international player and captain, but little as a coach, with his career after playing so far taking him to the IPL and the Caribbean Premier League.

But Athers added: “I don’t think that’s a problem. Other people in the professional training environment might think so.

“His limited coaching experience came in IPL with the Kolkata Nightriders and in CPL with the sister team. But he played 100 Test, scored three hundred Test matches and was very important in Test cricket itself.

READ  Rugby: A global star makes it to the top 14!

Please use Chrome browser to get more easy video player

In 2015, New Zealand captain Brendon McCollum joined Nick Knight in providing on-pitch lessons.

“As a captain, he really led New Zealand into a brave new era, from the time he took the helm – in Cape Town in 2013 – I had the first ever Tours of New Zealand at 45, it was a very low bounce and a very difficult transition.” by Ross Taylor.

“But then he led boldly and fearlessly, and that changed the New Zealand team to the point where he laid the foundations for Ken Williamson’s team who became Test World Champions and were very important players in ICC events. So as a captain and as a captain he has a lot of experience in Test cricket.”

McCullum and Stokes’ violent combination.

McCullum is linked with the Stokes to form a vital mix in England’s bid to revitalize their trial fortunes, and the Athers believe the pair would be a good fit.

“He’s fine with Stokes, they’re both approaching the game and playing the game the same way and they will be looking to give a very clear message, the captain and the manager, showing that they are singing from the same card. An anthem of a team you now expect to have some degree of freedom and license to play.

Please use Chrome browser to get more easy video player

England Test captain Ben Stokes hits five straight jackets to reach 100 in the Durham County Championship.

Neither Stokes nor McCollum are shy characters when it comes to playing cricket, they love to take the game and play it hard.

“McCollum as a coach is supposed to be very similar to McCollum as a player and captain.”

Athers also points out the two reasons why he thinks Kee went with McCollum.

“One of them is a Stokes mix,” he said. “There is a chapter in Rob Key’s autobiography where he talks about coaching and says that the combination of captain and coach is absolutely essential.

“I think he wanted someone he thought Stokes could work with. I think Stokes would have a lot of appreciation and respect for McCollum for what he did in the game, so that’s a good combination.

Please use Chrome browser to get more easy video player

New England Test Leader Ben Stokes reveals his plans for Joe Root, James Anderson and Stewart Broad.

“Secondly, Rob Key will know what McCollum did with Team New Zealand from 2013 to 2016 and hopes he can inspire England to do the same. We know McCollum has experience in changing the situation and the group of players.

“I don’t think you’re looking at a guy who’s going to be a particularly technical coach. I think Rob is looking for Brendon to inspire, to lead, and to let some of his character go into an English dressing room who had a very hard time for two years.”

“I think there is a sense of optimism behind the appointment of Stokes as England captain, and that optimism has been boosted a little bit more with McCollum,” Aters continued.

McCollum’s access gateway: changes to the top of the list?

McCollum is expected to be in place for the first test against world champions New Zealand at the Lords on June 2, with England looking to bounce back with new signings after a dismal winter.

Asked which players England would be looking at, Athers said: “It is assumed that the Stokes-McCollum route will be on the aggressive side.

Please use Chrome browser to get more easy video player

In a 2015 interview, former New Zealand captain Brendon McCollum spoke about the importance of the captain-manager relationship to the team’s success.

“They’re going to have to decide what kind of guys they want to have, we’ve already heard Ben say he wants James Anderson and Stewart Broad back.

“They then have 400 first-class cricketers to watch.”

He added: “I think the top ranking has been the biggest problem for England over the past two years. This top ranking has been particularly weak.

“We know the root is going to be No. 4, and Stokes is going to be No. 6, so the questions are about No. 3 and 5 in particular, if they want to keep the same opening formula found in the Caribbean. Zach Crowley ran out of races at the start of the year, and he was performing Alex is no good, although he may not be the type they are looking for.

Please use Chrome browser to get more easy video player

Former New Zealand teammate Simon Dole discusses the vital role Brendon McCollum is playing for England as he has been announced as the new Head Coach for the Test today.

“You only really know the Root and Stokes locations, so there’s plenty of options as we get into Rounds Five and Six of the County Championship matches, and opportunities for players to impress.”

What about the white ball coach?

England are set to set another appointment next week with a new white football coach.

In the process, Athers conceded Paul Collingwood was the favourite, but that England were right to “open up the process and talk to as many people as possible”.

“There is a very strong word that Matthew Mott, who was in charge of the Australian women’s team, was a strong candidate and interviewed well,” Athers said.

“But I think Paul Collingwood is the frontrunner and I wouldn’t be against that choice,

“I think he’s very likable and knows his stuff, and he’s going to build a good relationship with Stokes, Ene Morgan and Joss Butler – that big group.”