Brendon McCullum, England's white-ball coach, expressed admiration for Harry Brook following the team's impressive eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday. This win completed a T20 series whitewash, propelling England to the top of the world rankings.

Brook, who was named player of the series, has achieved a remarkable record, winning 23 out of 26 matches as captain. While his suitability as a Test leader remains under scrutiny, his prowess in T20 cricket is undeniable. McCullum remarked, “He’s grown not just as captain, but as a person as well,” highlighting Brook's development as a leader that earns trust from his teammates.

The coach noted Brook's exceptional batting and adaptability to different conditions and opponents, stating, “Twenty20 is such an inconsistent game... but over the last 18 months we’ve found a nice level of consistency.” He acknowledged the ongoing growth of the team's environment and depth, emphasizing that they are not yet the finished product but are making significant strides.

In addition to Brook, McCullum welcomed Stephen Fleming, the new Test coach and an old friend, into the fold. Their strong relationship was evident as McCullum stated, “Flem and I are great mates... we both just want what is right for English cricket.” He expressed confidence that their collaboration would prevent conflicts between Test and white-ball schedules, even involving Fleming in the England huddle before the game.

Looking ahead, England prepares for a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting Tuesday. McCullum praised Sonny Baker for his impressive skills, noting his ability to bowl at 90mph and his competitive spirit. He also acknowledged the veteran Adil Rashid, who will be nearing 40 by the next T20 World Cup, stressing the importance of having future plans in place while keeping an eye on emerging talents like Rehan Ahmed.