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England Make Support Staff Revamp! McCullum Sacks 2 Analysts Before India Tests - Report

Sakshi Sharma

 Brendon McCullum England's head coach (Source:@academy_dinda,x.com) Brendon McCullum England's head coach (Source:@academy_dinda,x.com)

In a significant development, just weeks before the much-anticipated home Test series against India, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has parted ways with two of its most influential data analysts Nathan Leamon and Freddie Wilde. 

The decision, reportedly influenced by head coach Brendon McCullum, signals a shift in England’s approach in the longest format of the game. With this change greater emphasis will now be placed on intuition and instinct over data-driven decision-making.

According to The Telegraph, Leamon and Wilde, who have played pivotal roles in England’s strategic planning and success over the past few years, will not be part of the set-up during the upcoming five-Test series against India. The series will mark the beginning of England's new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. 

ECB Sacks Data Analysts

Both Leamon and Wilde played crucial role in England's campaigns during their 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and the 2022 T20 World Cup victory. Known for their deep expertise in data science and performance analytics, the duo helped develop match strategies. 

However, the winds began to shift with the appointment of Brendon McCullum as Test head coach in 2022. Known for his bold and instinctive style of leadership, McCullum has reportedly questioned the overreliance on data, particularly in the Test arena. 

"Leamon and Wilde – England's senior data analyst and white-ball analyst respectively – are both winding down their involvement with the national team. Neither will be involved in England's white-ball series against West Indies at the end of the month, which marks the start of Harry Brook's reign as captain in both limited-overs formats," the report further stated.


"The England hierarchy believe that analysis is more important in franchise cricket than the international game, where players tend to have fewer easily exploitable weaknesses. As part of this approach, England players are encouraged to take more responsibility for their preparation and performance and there has been a reduction in the number of support staff on match days to de-clutter the dressing room," the report added.

As part of this new direction, Brendon McCullum has shaped a smaller support staff model and a more relaxed team environment. Sources close to the team say he wants players to take increased ownership of their preparation and performances, focusing on natural instincts and experience rather than being overloaded with statistical input.