In the aftermath of the exciting conclusion to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, which saw India and England tie 2-2 in a thrill-a-minute encounter, head coach Brendon McCullum sang high praise for the level of intensity and quality of cricket witnessed.
The former New Zealand captain had termed the five-Test series the best he has ever played in or watched throughout his extended cricketing career.
Truly the greatest five-Test series I have been a part of and seen. It just fluctuated so much right through the six weeks and I felt that it had it all. I thought there was hostility at times, friendship at times, excellent cricket at times, there was some below-average cricket due to the pressure they were subjected to," McCullum told Sky Sports on an appearance.
He accepted the physical and mental struggles faced by both sides during the closely contested series. From inconsistent performances to emotional ups and downs, McCullum believed the experience was a real test of character for all concerned.
We knew it was going to be tough coming into the series, we knew they were going to push us both physically and mentally. I think it tested both sets of players more than we anticipated. I think 2-2 was an accurate reflection," he said.
Pondering the thrilling conclusion in The Oval, when India won the last Test by six runs, McCullum praised Mohammed Siraj's match-winning over, even though his own side came up short.
"It was a good series to be involved in and when Siraj got that last wicket, as much as I was gutted, I had respect for him and the spirit he has as a cricketer and the manner in which he managed to do what he did."
Asked about England's lost opportunities, McCullum spoke of the relentless demands of five-Test series cricket. He referred to the mental and physical wear it imposes over a period.
"Playing all five days of all five Tests becomes a mental strain and I thought the way they coped with that. Clearly, we did have to bring in fresh legs for this final Test match. You know that it is happening but you don't know what is happening until it gets you," he added.
It is the toughest thing in cricket playing a series of five games and being challenged as much as you are for as long as you are. It tries you not only as an athlete but as a person because it challenges how much you want it. As a spectator of a sport, I felt it was an incredible spectacle.
He also admitted that there are going to be times of regret in every series, on both sides.
"Your always going to have chances missed along the way in a series. India will likely look back at some opportunities they had — perhaps their first test at Headingley. Even at Lord's, the natural flow of a game is going to bring up some situations.". Even yesterday, we had Brook and Root batting as good as they batted. For India to come back and score 7-60, it is another good example of what can happen in this wonderful game we play," McCullum said.
With England not facing another Test match until the Ashes opener against them in Perth on November 21, McCullum looked back on the team's commitment and attitude toward their aggressive, unorthodox form of play.
I believe when we drift away from our way of cricket, then that is when we are exposed and our wicket-taking goes down. I believe if we remain faithful to what we think, supporting it, and sort of doubling down on the philosophy it provides us with our best chance. I believe that is what we managed to do at Lord's.
He capped it off by remarking on the team's development throughout the series, even in loss.
"I think with bat in hand we were brave when we needed to be. There are many different things throughout the series where we grew as a team.". It is difficult to say that when you have lost the last Test but during that I believed the changing room was developing and was realizing that if we play our way, it gives us our best opportunity. It does not promise anything but it gives us our best opportunity.
