"You have made a slight mockery of Test cricket" - Aakash Chopra slams Brendon McCullum's statement after England's loss in 2nd Ashes 2025-26 Test

Former India player Aakash Chopra has slammed Brendon McCullum for his statement after England's loss in the second Ashes Test. He noted that the England head coach had mocked Test cricket a little.

England suffered an eight-wicket loss in the second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Sunday, December 7, to go 2-0 down in the five-match series. In a post-match interaction, McCullum opined that the visitors were overprepared for the game.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener noted that McCullum's reasoning for England's loss was slightly ridiculous.

"Brendon McCullum was asked about the preparation after the Test match loss. He said they were overprepared, and the entire world lost it. A match was happening and you were not letting your guys play. There was only one match in the gap, but you didn't play," Chopra said. (7:20)

"You come and swing the bat, try to hit sixes, lose one match in two days and the second match in four days, and then you say you were overprepared. How does it actually work? Has it not become slightly ridiculous? What are you saying? You have made a slight mockery of Test cricket," he added.

England played a day-night tour match against the Prime Minister's XI between the first and second Tests. Although they won that game by eight wickets, none of the players who played the second Test were a part of that side.

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"You haven't come close to qualification even once" - Aakash Chopra on England's WTC performances

England are placed seventh on the 2025-27 WTC points table. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that England have never come close to qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, although they claim to be the custodians of the longest format.

"This is the fourth WTC cycle, and you haven't come close to qualification even once, although for every practical purpose, you are the self-proclaimed custodian of the Test format, and you are the only one who is keeping Test cricket alive," he said. (8:20)

The cricketer-turned-commentator wondered whether the England fans like it when their team plays aggressively, but loses every time.

"You are the only one who is making it entertaining and thinking about the spectators and the game. Others are winning series and lifting trophies, you don't reach anywhere, but you are the one who is taking care. What kind of love is this? Do the England supporters like it when a guy hits fours and sixes, but the team loses every day?" Chopra observed.

Aakash Chopra noted that he is yet to come across a fan base that finds it enjoyable if their team loses, but plays good cricket. He wondered at what stage Ben Stokes and company would be called out by the English fans.