Brendon McCullum promises Steve Smith that England WILL attack Australia in the Ashes

Brendon McCullum says England will go hard at Australia next year in a high-octane bid for the Ashes. He would just be happier if their Test revolution was not labelled ‘Bazball’.

The Test coach was responding to Steve Smith’s comments about England’s transformation, with the former Australia captain questioning whether the ultra-positive tactics that have seen New Zealand and India blown away will work against Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and company.

McCullum accepted the Ashes, to be held in England next summer, will represent the ultimate test of the game-plan he has introduced along with captain Ben Stokes. But he confirmed England will not be changing their approach any time soon.

England coach Brendon McCullum isn’t a fan of the term ‘Bazball’ that’s been aimed at his team

Steve Smith is unsure if England’s new approach will be enough to beat Australia in the Ashes

‘I saw those comments,’ said McCullum. ‘He is right, Australia will challenge what we’re capable of achieving and that’s pretty exciting I reckon. Isn’t that what the game’s all about? To re-invigorate yourself and then be confronted by the very best?

‘I do believe New Zealand and India are two very good cricket sides but Australia is a different kind of challenge because of the history of the Ashes and the rivalry that exists.

‘I’m sure our guys will try to maintain a really positive approach. I think the real key is not just the crash and burn if you look at how the guys have done it.

‘That’s why I don’t really like that silly term people are throwing out there (Bazball). 

Jonny Bairstow in action for England as he celebrates his century against India this week  

Joe Root embraces Jonny Bairstow after England win the third Test against New Zealand  

There’s actually quite a lot of thought that goes into how the guys manufacture their performances and when they put pressure on bowlers and which bowlers they put pressure on. There’s also been times when they’ve absorbed pressure beautifully too.’ 

McCullum said, with Test series against South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand to come before next summer’s Ashes, he prefers to live in the moment. But he admitted he has one eye on what remains the biggest date in the English calendar.

‘We know that’s probably the ultimate challenge for us,’ he told Australian legend Adam Gilchrist on the SEN WA breakfast show. ‘Our focus is on South Africa for now but at some point we will start looking at Australia.

‘Test cricket needs the Ashes to be strong and competitive. You’d say the last one wasn’t so that’s the task for us in time. Give us a few months to get our things together and we might be able to take on the great Australian side.’