McCullum puts focus on ODI preparation as England return to scene of Ashes calamity

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum is prioritizing preparation and squad fitness ahead of a three-match ODI series against Australia, which starts at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 13. Returning to the venue where England suffered a heavy Ashes defeat last winter, McCullum noted that his team will utilize a lengthy lead-up to adjust, including a 50-over warm-up match against a Western Australia XI at the WACA.

Following a disappointing tri-series in Pakistan where England finished last, McCullum emphasized that the young and relatively inexperienced squad needs matches in pressure situations ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup. McCullum, who was sacked as Test coach earlier in the year, stated that his focus alongside captain Harry Brook is solely on developing the one-day and T20 teams.