Bren 'keeping calm' amidst the scrutiny

BRENDON McCullum’s position as England head coach might be under scrutiny but fast bowling consultant Tim Southee was adamant his good friend is showing no signs of being under pressure.

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

Brendon McCullum (centre) during a T20 World Cup net session in Colombo

A 4-1 Ashes defeat, with Australia retaining the urn after just 11 days of cricket, has put an extra emphasis on the T20 World Cup, although England have booked a semifinal spot with a match to spare.

Southee, who played alongside McCullum 170 times for New Zealand and joined his backroom staff at England on a rolling contract last May, insisted his former teammate is focused on the task at hand.

"Baz is just Baz," Southee said. "I have known him, played a lot with him and get on with him very well. But one thing with Brendon is he is the most consistent guy I have ever come across.

"Nothing really changes from him. He believes in what he believes in. He's been very consistent with his behaviours and it's been no different here.