🔗 Share this article Brendon McCullum Completes The Ashes Series Backroom Team with Australian David Saker's Comeback England's coach Brendon McCullum has finalised his coaching team ahead of the Ashes series, with the Australian David Saker rejoining the English setup for a fourth Test campaign facing his home nation. The Consultant's Duties and Timeline The coach, formally titled as special skills consultant, plans to be in Australia starting with the England Lions' arrival at the start of November and continue with the primary team across all five matches. New Zealand's Tim Southee, holding the same title since May and is with the white-ball squad in his home country New Zealand, will persist with the squad through the opening Test in Perth. Additional Coaching Additions An additional returnee includes Gilbert Enoka, previous All Blacks mindset coach, who was first brought into the group preparing for the Test facing India at Old Trafford during July. Enoka, who lives in Christchurch, is assisting the white-ball team participating in the initial Ashes Test. Squad Meetings and Athlete Responses On Friday, Enoka ran an hour-long session for the entire squad and support personnel, as they finalised preparations for the T20 series against New Zealand that starts on Saturday. Harry Brook, who last month promised to skip conferences as limited-overs captain, stated Enoka was “brilliant”. “These matters remain internal,” he commented. “He offers extensive psychological game insights. To have him in the ranks, just to be able to have a chat for five or 10 minutes, is awesome.” Continuing Coaching Staff Veteran batting instructor Marcus Trescothick and spin-bowling specialist Jeetan Patel, another New Zealander, will continue in their roles. Saker's Previous Experience David Saker, aged 59, served as England’s fast bowling coach between 2010 and 2015, during which time they won the Ashes in Australia. He then fulfilled a similar role for Australia between 2016 and 2019 prior to rejoining England in 2023. Athlete Approvals Brook highlighted Southee's involvement to the team. “He possesses vast expertise,” mentioned the 26-year-old. “With considerable local and international experience, his guidance significantly helps us.”