Ashes 2025, 2nd Test: McCullum tells England fans to ‘keep faith’ after Perth capitulation
Coach Brendon McCullum urged England fans to “keep faith” and said there would be no change in approach after their humiliating capitulation in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
England suffered an eight-wicket defeat inside two days after its cavalier attacking game, dubbed ‘Bazball’ after the McCullum’s nickname, backfired.
Batting collapses coupled with Travis Head’s sensational 69-ball century condemned England to yet another defeat in Australia.
That left the visiting side facing an uphill task to regain the Ashes with four Tests still to go, the second being a day-night match in Brisbane on December 4.
England was savaged back home following the defeat on Saturday.
“Sometimes we get beaten and it looks pretty ugly, but there are times when having that type of mentality allows us to still believe in our abilities when we step out to play,” McCullum told reporters.
“There are times we don’t get it right, but we have to believe in what we believe in because it gives us the best chance.
“Just because we are one down in the series doesn’t change what we believe in. We have to stay calm, stay together, and plot our way back into this series, as we have done before.”
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Since last claiming an Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago, England has now lost 14 Tests, drawn two and won none in Australia.
It had a perfect opportunity in Perth to snap the dire streak and earn a psychological advantage heading into the pink-ball encounter in Brisbane.
But after reaching 160 for five, the touring side lost five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out for 172 on day one before regaining the advantage after dismissing Australia for 132.
It was on track for a big lead after reaching 65 for one in its second innings, but again threw away five wickets in quick succession to leave Australia chasing 205, which it achieved with ease.
Published on Nov 24, 2025
