England head coach Brendon McCullum has weighed in on the brief altercation involving the team’s security staff and a cameraman from Australia’s Channel 7 ahead of the third Ashes Test.
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The incident occurred as the England squad was preparing to depart for Adelaide, when a member of the team’s security detail pushed a Channel 7 cameraman while clearing space for the players. The episode drew attention in the Australian media, with the broadcaster indicating it would look into the matter, particularly given the scrutiny surrounding England’s tour.
‘Not ideal’ amid intense scrutiny, says Brendon McCullum
Addressing the issue on Sunday, McCullum admitted he did not witness the incident himself but acknowledged that such situations are far from ideal — especially with the Ashes spotlight firmly on the team.
“I didn’t see it, but obviously it wasn’t ideal,” McCullum said. “Hopefully it’s been dealt with and everyone can move on. We know that when you come to Australia, there are a lot of eyeballs and a lot of intense scrutiny on everything you do. I feel like we’ve managed ourselves pretty well.”
McCullum remained upbeat despite the aggressive media attention that has followed England since their arrival, noting that the team has handled the pressure with maturity despite criticism aimed at Ben Stokes and his side.
Following their second consecutive defeat in the series, England spent time unwinding in Noosa, where players relaxed with golf sessions and interacted with locals. McCullum praised the group’s attitude during the brief break, highlighting the positive energy within the squad.
“The boys were outstanding last week,” he said. “They engaged really well with the locals, everyone was in good spirits, and there was some good banter.”
England now turn their attention fully to preparation for the third Test, scheduled to begin on December 17 in Adelaide. Trailing 0–2 in the series, the match represents a must-win scenario for Stokes’ side, with defeat likely ending their Ashes campaign. The Test will be broadcast live from 5:00 AM IST.
