Brendon McCullum reveals reason behind England touring Abu Dhabi in between second and third Tests against India

Brendon McCullum has opened up on England’s decision to tour Abu Dhabi in the gap between the 2nd and 3rd Tests. The Head Coach of England revealed a major reason behind the move. While the 2nd Test of the series was set to finish on the 6th of February, it finished a day before. The third Test at Rajkot is scheduled to take place from the 15th to the 19th of February. 

In long tours, the teams usually get a long break after the conclusion of the 2nd Test. The series between India and England has witnessed the same. Both teams are looking to spend time in their way. While the Indian team is set to visit their home to spend time with family, England will not fly back to England but instead tour Abu Dhabi. 

When asked about the same in the press conference, McCullum claimed that he spoke to Rahul Dravid regarding the same. Brendon claimed that the Indian coach said they would spend time with their family by going home. “I was speaking to Rahul Dravid this morning. I sort of asked him what they were going to do after this Test match,” revealed McCullum. 

‘Last few weeks has been quite intense and also quite consuming’ – Brendon McCullum

“He said they were all going to head home and have a bit of a break. For us, home is a long way away,” said McCullum. He added that since their home (England) is far away from India, they decided to find a mid-way in Abu Dhabi for both the players and their families to visit each other. 

He added that the time of cricket would help them to regroup as a team in a better way to resume the series. “So, we are going to head to Abu Dhabi. All the families coming there as well. It’s a lot easier and we look forward to spending some time with family. Let’s just say it’s about digesting about the last few weeks which has been quite intense and also quite consuming,” added McCullum.