Brendon McCullum Shares One Aspect England Need To "Improve On" Ahead Of India Tests

England head coach Brendon McCullum feels his players have lacked humility in their recent public utterances and he would like to see them win back respect from fans ahead of the tough home series against India and the Ashes later this year. McCullum, while speaking to the media ahead of a lone Test against Zimbabwe starting Thursday in Nottingham, said the players need to be more attuned to the public mood. "It's not just about what you do on the cricket field. It's how you carry yourself. It's how you interact with the public. It's the messaging that you give," McCullum told the British media.

"The ability these guys have to be able to play on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights and the pressure that takes is one thing, but also the ability to be humble and show some humility and not feel out of touch with the general population is something I'd like to see us improve on." England's players have drawn criticism for their seemingly nonchalant attitude towards on-field setbacks, the most recent being a winless Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan. They were also lambasted by former batting star Kevin Pietersen for playing golf while skipping training during a poor limited-overs tour of India before the Champions Trophy.

England are playing a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge before next month's marquee series at home against India and the away Ashes rubber in Australia.

McCullum's remarks come after comments made by some players dismissing criticism came under scrutiny, forcing England's director of cricket Rob Key to say that they need to "stop talking rubbish".

Even last month, fast bowler Mark Wood admitted that they can be "a bit dumb".

"We've just got to be a bit smarter with some of our