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Dec 9, 2025
McCullum says England's Ashes problem is overtraining, plans a beach recovery
AP NEWS
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) -- Brendon McCullum figured out England's main problem after back-to-back eight-wicket losses to Australia in the Ashes: Overdoing it in training.
So, needing to win the last three tests of the series to reclaim the old urn -- the symbol of the intense rivalry between England and its former colony -- the England coach wants his squad to recharge and recover at one of Australia's premier beach resorts.
In interviews with Australian and British broadcasters, McCullum spoke about the hostile conditions Down Under and said the biggest problem after the heavy series-opening loss in Perth was too much practice before the day-night test in Brisbane.
"Leading into this test match I felt like we overprepared, to be honest," he told Australia's 7 network Sunday night after the eight-wicket loss at the Gabba. "We had five intense training days and I think sometimes when you're in the heat of the battle, sometimes the most important thing is to feel a little bit fresh and make sure your (headspace) is completely sound.
"I think the boys just need a few days off. Need to change up the training methods a little bit. We'll let the dust settle on what has been a pretty intense last couple of weeks and start to plot and plan our way back into the series."
The third test starts Dec. 17 in Adelaide, where Australia needs only a draw to retain the Ashes.
Across the first two tests, England has forfeited strong positions with indisciplined bowling or poor shot selection from batters attempting to score needlessly quickly, and also dropped too many catches.
The coaching staff has been criticized for only organizing one tour game in Australia to warm up ahead of the series. Coaches and players have been criticized by an increasing number of ex-international players for pursuing the attack-at-all-costs mentality rather than adapting to the conditions or match situations.
McCullum's method is to keep looking forward.
"The message from the captain, the messa
