03 February 2023 , 15:22
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Brendon McCullum has had a massive impact on England's Test team since being appointed coach in May last year, having taken over a side that had won just one of their last 17 Tests and guiding them to nine wins in ten.
Under McCullum England have played a more positive and aggressive brand of cricket, which has been termed 'Bazball' in reference to his nickname, and the 41-year-old has meshed perfectly with captain Ben Stokes.
Stokes was appointed skipper just two weeks before McCullum became coach and Stokes' mother, Deb, says McCullum has made a positive impact on her son, helping him become the inspirational leader that enjoyed such a successful 2022 on the field.
"He has developed more personal skills," she told The Podium podcast. "He's always been very skilled at the game but his man-management and his ability to bring people together has been really good to see.
"He always had it in him I feel but he just needed some guidance to bring it all together. Obviously Brendon and Ben get on really well.
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"I think 'they are both Kiwis so they have to get on well'! Both are from Aotearoa, both made huge steps in cricket in their own careers individually and [Ben] said to me 'we just clicked, mum'.
Stokes and Brendon McCullum have transformed England's Test team (Popperfoto via Getty Images)"That's what it was. They are singing off the same song sheet which is the most important thing.
"Perception is everything in this because you can tell what a close relationship – personally and professionally – they have. That has worked really, really well and long may it last."
Having secured a historic 3-0 whitewash away from home against Pakistan in their last Test series, England are set for another fascinating duel as they take on New Zealand in a two-match series later this month ahead of a home Ashes series in the summer.