India, Jan. 9 -- England head coach Brendon McCullum has clarified his stance on outside influence following the Ashes setback, in which England lost the five-Test series 4-1. His methods have come under close scrutiny following the tour, particularly as England struggled to match Australia's intensity in challenging conditions. The much-debated Bazball approach came unstuck at key moments, with aggressive batting often tipping into recklessness and costing the side dearly. The criticism has been sharper given that Australia managed the series without Josh Hazlewood throughout, while captain Pat Cummins featured in only one of the five Tests, exposing England's inability to capitalise despite those absences.

McCullum addressed questions ...