England greats Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have both defended the team’s Noosa getaway, despite plenty of criticism being lobbed towards the tourists.
After going down 2-0 in the Ashes series, the group travelled from Brisbane to the popular Sunshine Coast destination to recharge the batteries.
While having time off in the midst of a gruelling tour is commonplace for international cricket teams, doing so when the blowtorch was already firmly on them has only led to further question marks over England’s approach under Brendon McCullum.
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From the practice match at Lilac Hill before the Perth series opener to the decision not to send struggling players to face the pink ball against the Prime Minister’s XI, the preparation and mindset surrounding England has been scrutinised at every turn.
McCullum then said in a post-match interview at the Gabba that the side ‘overprepared’, which only angered England fans more.
England coach Brendon McCullum. Getty
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, former captain Atherton admitted the comments from McCullum were “tone deaf” but did understand the sentiment.
“It will wind England fans up because what they will see is a team that’s not playing a lot and not necessarily practising that much,” he said.
“I think what he meant by that was that they arranged, because of that [first] Test finishing early and the fact that they didn’t go to Canberra, what was three days practice became five because they booked extra nets.
“His point is five days netting can kind of actually dull your sharpness a bit. I knew what he was trying to say, but it was kind of a little bit tone deaf.”
What Atherton has no major issue with, however, is the call to send players for a beach holiday to Noosa before ramping up preparations for Adelaide.
Atherton questioned what else the players were meant to do in between games.
“There’s been predictably a bit of flak flying around, the local media have sent people there – it’s inevitable if you’re 2-0 down you’re going to get stick,” he told Sky Sports.
Ben Stokes with some Aussie cricket fans Twitter
“But what are they supposed to do? Sit in a darkened room and eat bread and water?
“I saw Ben Stokes, he posed for some photographs, didn’t he? And I thought, good on you, actually. You’ve got to be able to laugh at yourself.
“They’ve gone for some R&R and they’re going to be switched on again come Sunday.”
Hussain echoed those sentiments and said it was wise for England to “clear the brain” following two disastrous defeats to kick-start the campaign.
“The major problem in the two games has been about their thinking,” he said.
“Understanding situations, times when to defend, when to attack and so it’s that top bit of your body, the brain, that is what has let them down.
“I think it is right to clear the brain. Not come to the next venue, sit there, train every single day and that mental scarring and baggage stays with you.”
England players leave the field after the second Test Getty
Even former Australian quick Brett Lee admitted it was “tough” given the way England have encouraged their players to act on and off the field.
“It’s a tough one, because they are trying to play a different style of cricket,” he told Nine’s Today on Friday morning.
“They are trying to relax and be a free style of person, that’s the way they do it.
“I think they’ve got to get down to Adelaide, prepare well and get themselves in the contest. They’ve had their moments, but Australia have found a way to take it away.”
The third Test will begin next Wednesday morning at Adelaide Oval, with the tourists hoping to keep the series alive and avoid a 3-0 deficit.