England’s preparation for the Champions Trophy has come under scrutiny following a disappointing ODI series against India, where they suffered a whitewash. Indian bowlers and batsmen dominated throughout, leaving England struggling to make an impact. This lackluster performance drew harsh criticism from former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and ex-Indian coach Ravi Shastri, who claimed that England lacked proper training ahead of the series.

However, England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has strongly refuted these allegations, dismissing them as ‘completely incorrect.’ Expressing his frustration over the criticism, McCullum insisted that his players were well-prepared before heading to India.

“We have trained extensively. There were some injury concerns in the camp, so ensuring the players remained fresh was also crucial. We have three practice sessions in Pakistan, and many players have been involved in continuous cricket. Keeping them fresh was necessary,” McCullum stated.

A major concern for England is the injury sustained by Ben Duckett. He suffered a groin injury while fielding in Ahmedabad but still managed to score 34 runs off 22 balls. His availability for the Champions Trophy will depend on his scan results.

Meanwhile, Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton are expected to be fit for England’s opening match against Australia on February 22. Jofra Archer is recovering from a hand injury, while Brydon Carse’s foot injury is also improving.

Despite losing four consecutive ODI series, McCullum remains optimistic about England’s prospects in the Champions Trophy. “Our squad is highly competitive, especially in conditions like Pakistan. Staying united as a team is crucial. If we can maintain our morale, success will follow,” he remarked.