Ashes is like a heavyweight boxing match: Brendon McCullum

London (IANS). England head coach Brendon McCullum likened the Ashes series to a bout between two heavyweight boxers after the fifth and final match at The Oval, emphasizing the sheer strength of both sides.

England beat Pat Cummins-led Australia by 49 wickets in the fifth Test at The Oval. With this victory of the English team, the Ashes series between England and Australia ended in a 2-2 draw. However, the Ashes urn remained with Australia. England head coach Brendon McCullum has made a big statement after the series ended in a draw.

McCullum said, “It is wonderful to be a part of this series. Two incredible cricket teams with contrasting styles are like a heavyweight boxing fight. It was really special. Be very strong about what you want to do.

McCullum also heaped praise on star fast bowler Stuart Broad, who retired from his Test career at the end of the series. The coach of the English team said, ‘What he has been able to achieve is absolutely amazing.’ The team will miss Broad in the dressing room. It is difficult to describe in a few words what this bowler has achieved in his career.

McCullum is proud of his players and the resilience they showed in ‘challenging’ moments after losing the first two Tests. “What we have seen in the last three matches shows that the team has really become stronger. The style of cricket that we want to play, the team is now fully prepared,” he said.

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