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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ali Martin in Hamilton

RARE PHOTOS: Mccullum has renewed england in 2024 but also showed ruthless side | Rare Historical Photos

England's head coach Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum has been ruthless in cutting loose established players from England’s Test side. Photograph: Michael Bradley/AFP/Getty Images

As Brendon McCullum appraised 12 months of fluctuating fortunes for England’s Test side, and looked ahead to a defining year against India and Australia, it was hard not to wonder if a coach known for his gambler’s outlook had let slip a tell.

The 2-1 series victory here in New Zealand tipped England’s ledger for 2024 to nine Test wins and eight defeats, all while introducing fresh personnel into the setup and dropping the average age of the side by nearly five years. “We’re a better team than we were back then,” said McCullum, looking back to the start of the overhaul.

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