England coach Brendon McCullum has revealed his 'rockstar' squad will be out to entertain on their historic return to Pakistan. The England setup return to Pakistan for the first time since 2005 for three Test match series.
Since McCullum took charge of the England setup this year, the former New Zealand man - alongside the guidance of captain Ben Stokes - has introduced a much more positive way of playing into the Test setup, which has since been named 'Bazball' in honour of the head coach.
And with bumper crowds expected at all three matches ahead of England's return, McCullum has vowed that his team will continue to entertain.
Ahead of Thursday's opener, he said: "The skipper wants the players to be rockstars and to be a rockstar you've got to play in front of the big houses. We've got that opportunity to do that. We want to try and entertain people. For us it's about trying to play that style. It's not always going to be successful, we know that, but I think what we've seen in a short period of time is that it can unlock your skill.
"If we're able to put a positive slant on it, and an aggressive slant on our style of play then it allows our talent to come out. It remains to be seen how that will go on the road but I still envisage that we will – I would expect us to still play positive cricket.”
McCullum's newly implemented style of play has worked well for England, following an impressive summer of cricket on home soil. And despite the added challenge of performing away from home, the New Zealander is hoping his team's impressive form continues this December.
“To win away from home is the greatest accomplishment you can achieve as a Test player and as a Test side,” he added. "I’m really excited. I don’t know if we’re going to win the series.
"I can almost guarantee when the skipper comes in here in 48 hours time he’ll say there’ll be no draws in the series. We’ll certainly be pushing for results because we see it as our obligation to try and ensure that people walk away entertained. And if we get beat, Pakistan, we know, will have played well.”
One man who has also been instrumental in England's positive way of playing has been captain Stokes. Ahead of this week's first Test match though, it is Stokes' effort off the pitch that have been commended, rather than his work on it.
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This comes after the Englishman announced he would be donating all of his match fees to the appeal supporting those who been effected by the recent floods in Pakistan. Taking to social media, Stokes said: "It is great to be in Pakistan for the first time for this historic series.
"To be back here after 17 years as a Test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be there is special. The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and the people.
“The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it’s only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan flood appeal."
