England head coach Brendon McCullum has mounted a robust defence of captain Harry Brook, describing recent criticism of his squad's conduct as a "pile on" that has gone too far.
Speaking following England's 3-0 T20 series triumph over Sri Lanka, the New Zealander praised the 26-year-old's tactical abilities whilst conceding there is room for improvement away from the pitch.
"I think Harry Brook is an outstanding leader on the field," McCullum stated.
"His tactical acumen is as good as I've seen in a short period of time for a young man. He has work to do off the field, no doubt."
England coach Brendon McCullum has been left frustrated by questions over his squad
|REUTERS
The comments come just days before England begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday.
Brook found himself at the centre of controversy after being punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington during England's New Zealand tour last November.
The incident occurred the night before a one-day international which England went on to lose.
Initially, the white-ball captain told journalists he had been alone during the altercation. However, it subsequently emerged that teammates Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell had accompanied him, with all three receiving fines from the ECB.
Brook released a statement last week acknowledging "others were present" and that he had lied to "protect" his colleagues.
Harry Brook clashed with a bouncer in a nightclub last year | PAMcCullum defended this approach, saying Brook "was trying to look after his mates".
The scrutiny extended beyond the Wellington incident to England's mid-series break during the Ashes, where players were photographed drinking in the Queensland resort town of Noosa.
McCullum rejected suggestions his squad had behaved inappropriately, insisting they "didn't go overboard at any stage" and dismissing the criticism as "completely out of line".
"Noosa is where people go to retire; there was a reason why we chose Noosa," he explained.
"It's being made out as this big stag-do place. It couldn't be further from that."
The 44-year-old also pushed back against perceptions that he operates a "loose ship", calling such characterisations a "misconception".
England claimed a 3-0 T20 series triumph over Sri Lanka
| GETTYDespite the off-field distractions, McCullum's side delivered an impressive performance in Sri Lanka, securing a 2-1 ODI series victory followed by a clean sweep in the T20 matches.
The final Twenty20 saw England triumph by 12 runs on Tuesday, with the coach highlighting his team's tactical adaptability.
"To bowl 16 overs of spin defending a low total on a surface which is having its third game on was what was required," McCullum noted. "The application and the investment from the group to acknowledge that and go all in with that strategy is immensely satisfying from a coaching point of view."
England now face Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday to open their World Cup campaign.