The Ashes: England head coach Brendon McCullum urges fans to ‘keep the faith’, backs Zak Crawley | Cricket News

England fans were urged to “keep the faith” by manager Brendon McCullum after the tourists lost to the Ashes on Sunday in Perth, with the head coach backing Zac Crawley following the opening game.

For the first time since 1921, an Ashes Test was completed within two days, with England suffering a crushing defeat at the Optus Stadium, with the away side suffering a stunning batting collapse in both innings.

The second Test will be played day and night in Brisbane and begins on December 4.

Can England maintain their good form in pink-ball tour games?

England manager Brendon McCullum has spoken about whether his senior players will feature in next weekend’s pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.

“Once we have calmed down on this, we will start talking and figure out what is what.

“We have to work out whether extra cricket is the key or whether the key is to keep the camaraderie close and not let morale drop.

“We have to look at the pros and cons. We are not married to any position at the moment, but we will figure it out in the next few days.”

“It’s very disappointing, not just for us, but for all the fans who came here and supported us,” McCallum said.

“I’m going to keep the faith. We have a talented group, we believe in each other and the level is quite high.

“That doesn’t mean it won’t hurt, but the best way to get back in shape is to do what you’ve always done under pressure and keep moving towards your goals.”

“We’re going to head to Brisbane with big hopes and high expectations and see where we are.

“I can’t carry this. [result] to the next. We’ve been trying to prevent things from going wrong for a while.

“For us, connection and camaraderie is something we pride ourselves on, and we will need that in the coming days.”

McCullum expects a ‘counterattack’ from Crowley

Crawley registered the first pair of England openers since Michael Atherton, who drove Mitchell Starc into one over in both innings at Johannesburg in 1999, with a Test average below 31.

The right-handed pitcher pitched 109 innings in 60 Tests, recording single-digit ejections 44 times.

McCullum added: “We believe he’s a quality player. Especially against this type of opponent in these conditions, how many pitches did he face? 10 or 11? He got an easy exit, but we believe in Zack.”

“He’s been part of this group for a long time. [opening] The combination of Ben Duckett and Zac put us in the best shape possible and we look forward to seeing Zac fight back strongly for some time to come.

“Sometimes you can get away cheaply, right? I wish he didn’t, but that’s life. If he gets away, some damage will be done.”

speak at sky sports cricket podcast, Former England seamer Stuart Broad said Crawley would be “devastated” and put in a “horrible place” following the Perth Test result.

Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26

UK and Ireland all the time

First test (Perth – November 21-25): Australia beat England by 8 wickets
Second test (day/night): Thursday 4th December – Monday 8th December (4am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
Third test: Wednesday 17 December – Sunday 21 December (11:30pm) – Adelaide Oval
Fourth test: Thursday 25 December – Monday 29 December (11:30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
Fifth test: Sunday 4 January – Thursday 8 January (11:30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground