Multan, Pakistan

England Test team coach Brendon McCullum has defended James Anderson's decision to skip the start of Pakistan to play golf. England’s bowling coach Anderson is participating in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a pro-am golf tournament in Scotland. He missed the preparatory camp ahead of the Multan Test, with reports suggesting that he will join England’s backroom staff on October 8 (the second day of the first Test).

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However, despite not being present with the new set of bowlers, Anderson was in constant touch with the players via social media, teaching them over mobile phone, a concept that former England captain and opener Michael Atherton calls ‘coaching by WhatsApp’.

Ahead of the first day’s play in Multan, where England lost the toss and were asked to bowl first, McCullum defended Anderson, saying that we live in a world where you can communicate without being present in person.

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“Two months ago, you guys were saying he didn’t deserve to be the coach. Now we are missing him. That’s an affirmation of how good an impact Jimmy Anderson has made in the short period of time [during] his transition from player to coach,” McCullum said to Atherton during a chat on Sky Sports.

Since stepping aside from Test cricket earlier this year, Anderson took over as the bowling consultant role with the England Test team, with McCullum reminding everyone of his transition, adding he’s not in a full-time role.

“It’s a combined decision amongst everyone,” McCullum asserted. 

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“He [Anderson] has made a huge transition from a 20-odd-year career into his new role, and he is on as a bowling consultant as well, it is not a full-time role,” the head coach continued.

No one would have a problem with enjoying

McCullum understands the constraints of a tight international calendar, insisting everyone must find ways to relax and have fun. 

In Anderson’s case, McCullum emphasised what he did for England and how he wishes to adapt to his new role, if Anderson wants some time off, so be it, adding he doesn’t think anyone would have problems with that. 

“The challenges and demands of the international cricket calendar mean you need to get out and enjoy yourself as well. If he were at home with his family, I question whether anyone would have problems with it," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan got off to a flyer against England in Multan, with the opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood completing respective tons inside two sessions. 

(With inputs from agencies)