Tom Banton credits Brendon McCullum pep talk for England white-ball resurgence

Tom Banton has credited a brief but meaningful conversation with England head coach Brendon McCullum as the turning point in his international career. The 27-year-old opener had spent three and a half years out of the England setup before returning for a T20 against West Indies in June 2025, and he says McCullum's words after that difficult first match have stayed with him ever since.

Banton was dismissed lbw by Andre Russell for just 3 runs on his comeback appearance in Durham. It was after this outing that McCullum had a word of encouragement for him. Since that conversation, Banton has gone on to make 28 consecutive appearances for England. His most recent contribution came on Thursday, when he smashed 52 not out from 24 deliveries in England's series-clinching win over Sri Lanka.

"I still remember my first game back, I was quite nervous, it was away in Durham against the West Indies and I didn't get many. I thought, 'oh no, this might not last too long'. Baz came over to me and said something so small but so meaningful. It's something I always think back to. It was nothing too out there, just something small, but something I've always (remembered), whether it's in this England setup or wherever else. Baz, for me, has been great and I've loved working with him," Banton said, as quoted by The Independent.

How has Banton's relationship with McCullum developed?

Banton and McCullum share a history that predates the England setup. The two were together at Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in 2020, where McCullum was coach, though Banton has acknowledged that he was younger and less confident at the time and did not make the most of that opportunity to learn from the New Zealander.

"I had him in the IPL when I was a bit younger, a bit more shy, and I probably didn’t ask too many questions. But now I feel like we’ve created a great relationship. I can’t thank him enough," Banton said.

The contrast between his reserved approach at KKR and his current openness within the England environment underlines how much Banton's confidence has grown since McCullum took charge of the side.

What is the state of England's T20 setup ahead of the series decider?

England's T20 side currently sits second in the world rankings and has recorded 15 wins from 17 completed games in 2026. Harry Brook captains the side, and the squad has developed a strong team culture away from the field as well as on it.

"Away from cricket we’re really tight as a group. I’m best mates with a lot of people in that group. I think that’s been really important for us, that we spend a lot of time away from cricket together. It’s small things – playing cards, playing Perudo. It’s not that important but when it comes to the ground and there’s a big moment in the game, you’ve got to be able to trust each other and I think that’s something we’ve really developed over the last 18 months. Haz (Brook) has been really big on that and it’s something we really want to push," Banton added.

England will look to complete a 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford on September 19. New Test coach Stephen Fleming is also expected to attend the fixture to meet the squad and discuss a job-share arrangement with McCullum.