- McCullum on insights, selection dilemmas and Brooks’ control after England’s win in Lahore. England’s white-ball coach talks tactical lessons, spinner-oons and Harry Brooks’ leadership after a 55-run win over Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium.
- Brendon McCullum.
- (Photo Source: Gareth Copley/) England defeated Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 29, 2026.
McCullum on insights, selection dilemmas and Brooks’ control after England’s win in Lahore. England’s white-ball coach talks tactical lessons, spinner-oons and Harry Brooks’ leadership after a 55-run win over Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Brendon McCullum. (Photo Source: Gareth Copley/) England defeated Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 29, 2026. The Three Lions scored 386 for five, Sri Lanka managed 331 in return.
The victory ended England’s six-game losing streak in ODI cricket in Pakistan, the country’s first win since December 2005. The series included three defeats in last year’s Champions Trophy and three defeats to open this tri-series. Despite the victory, England had already been eliminated from the finals after losing their first three games.
White-ball coach Brendon McCullum reflected on the team’s performance and the greater value of tournament experience ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. McCullum acknowledged the difficult beginnings but highlighted the lessons learned from setbacks and successes. “The fact that we have been put in certain situations where we have been exposed in some moments and succeeded in others will put us in a good position for the future.
We are extremely dispointed and dispointed that we lost these first three games. Today was a good performance that showed some fight. It’s good to bounce back and put in a performance like we did.
We missed a few chances but we did some good things. “It’s satisfying to come out on the right,” McCullum said on Sky Sports. How did Dawson and Rashid debate England selection?
Liam Dawson’s four-wicket haul in an ODI for the first time during the Tri-Series cemented his position as a key player in the World Cup. Adil Rashid, who was fighting for the same role, faced difficult conditions throughout the tournament. Discussions over Rashid’s place came to the fore after England struggled to take wickets in the middle overs throughout the series.
McCullum described the selection thinking behind the composition of the team and the value of competitive players. “That’s what you want, right? These are good problems for Marcus North, Rob Key, me and Harry.
In a few days we will travel to Australia and learn more about ourselves. We will always do what we think is right for the given conditions. Dawson has done really well for us.
If you look at all three teams, Legpin didn’t play a big role. We want to be a team that adts to conditions and has that flexibility. Dawson is an experienced player.
Unfortunately for Rash, the conditions were against him,” said McCullum. What impressed McCullum about Brooks’ presence? Harry Brooks’ role during the tri-series impressed McCullum, who highlighted the England ctain’s tactical awareness and composure under pressure.
Brook led the team through the two defeats and the final win against Sri Lanka, demonstrating leadership qualities that went beyond tactical decisions. “He’s one of the best tactical ctains I’ve ever come across. He’s very switched on.
He has the respect of the entire locker room. He would have learned a lot. We were behind by five, but Brooky was able to slow the pace and make some plays.
I can’t praise his talent enough, not just his tactics but also his leadership. We’ll sit back and assess it. We want to be a team that is cable of seriously fighting for this World Cup in twelve months’ time.
We will learn from these lessons,” McCullum said. England will travel to Australia in the coming days to continue their World Cup preparations. McCullum stressed the importance of learning from the experiences of the three series and building momentum ahead of the world tournament.
