Tom Banton has revealed how a few “meaningful” words from Brendon McCullum helped him relaunch his England career.
Banton had been in the international wilderness for three and a half years when he made his comeback appearance in a T20 against the West Indies last June, marking the occasion by falling lbw to Andre Russell for just three runs.
The Somerset batter was pulled aside that night by head coach McCullum, who told him not to be worried and to continue backing his natural game, and has been an ever-present since, racking up 28 consecutive appearances.
The success of the top order means he has rarely had the chance to hog the spotlight but Thursday’s series-clinching win over Sri Lanka saw him smash 52 not out in just 24 deliveries as he took charge of a successful chase.
The 27-year-old now looks comfortable as England’s number four and he credits that timely intervention at Chester-le-Street.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Recalling their first time working together, at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020, he said: “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.”
England’s 20-over side is on a roll at present, second in the world rankings and within touching distance of overtaking India, with 15 wins from 17 completed games this year.
Winning teams are generally happy ones but Banton was effusive about the camaraderie in the group, hailing the bond of friendship that has been forged under Harry Brook’s captaincy.
“Away from cricket we’re really tight as a group. I’m best mates with a lot of people in that group,” he said.
“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.”
England will look to close out a 3-0 series sweep at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, when new Test coach Stephen Fleming will be in attendance to meet the squad and discuss his job share with McCullum.
Uncapped all-rounder James Cole and seamers Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood have gone unused in the first two games and may be on a watching brief again with England keen to push India hard for the top ranking.
England (probable): J Buttler (wk), A Donald, H Brook (c), T Banton, J Cox, W Jacks, J Overton, L Dawson, A Rashid, J Tongue, S Baker.
