• Harry Brook blasted five sixes in a single over.
• Only Australia is taking wickets at a quicker.
• Stokes is adding inspiring leadership to a list of accomplishments.

Brendon McCullum, England’s coach, says he is “in awe of how excellent” his team’s players can be.

On the strength of nine victories in 10 matches while playing an exciting brand of cricket, McCullum is getting ready to captain England in two Test matches in his native New Zealand.

In a warm-up against a New Zealand XI on Wednesday, batsman Harry Brook blasted five sixes in a single over.

“Some of the shots and skills they have are quite amazing,” former New Zealand captain McCullum said.

“From a coaching standpoint, it’s extremely thrilling to see the talent that some of these players have.

“At times, we’re taken aback by how good these people can be. Hopefully, we’ll be able to witness them grow in the future.”

Only Australia is taking wickets at a quicker and more affordable pace than England, which has a scoring rate of 4.77 runs per over since McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes took over in May of last year.

McCullum was complimentary of Stokes, the all-rounder who is adding inspiring leadership to a list of accomplishments that already includes match-winning performances in England’s 2019 50-over World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup final victories, as well as his innings in the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test victory, one of the greatest ever played by an Englishman.

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