FIRST THE REVOLUTION THEN THE EVOLUTION

McCullum: We had to grow up to save series

- Dean Wilson

HEAD McCullum Brendon his admitted Bazball formula had to be refined for England to salvage a 2-2 Ashes draw after being 2-0 down.

The Kiwi, who along with captain Ben Stokes has helped inspire a more positive and attacking approach to Test cricket, is generally not one for regrets and is happy that his team stuck to their guns despite the early setbacks.

But he came close to admitting that they got the balance in their approach wrong in the first two matches when they gave up strong positions to lose at Edgbaston and Lord's.

From Headingley onwards, with the introduction of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes who played starring roles, England managed to find the right balance to win two out of three Tests and dominate at Old Trafford until the rain arrived.

It was as if they evolved right before our eyes, and even McCullum reckons his side "really grew up" during the series.