“We just need to improve a couple of our rough edges”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has insisted that his side can bounce back from their 124-run loss in the first Test at Lord’s.

McCullum added that there is no reason why his side cannot win the second Test, which starts on Friday at Headingley, and ensure the series finishes as a 1-1 draw.

New Zealand amassed a healthy 134-run lead after making 523 in their first innings, but all their hard work was undone by England captain Alastair Cook’s 162 and all-rounder Ben Stokes, who smashed the fastest ever Test century at Lord’s.

In reply to being set a target of 345 to win on the final day, New Zealand’s top order completely collapsed, which was why they ended up losing the first Test.

“I still believe we’ve got some very good players within our group and scoring 520 in the first innings is testament to that,” McCullum told Sky Sports. “It’s not panic stations, we just need to improve a couple of our rough edges.

“I still felt as if we played a good Test match in our last game and whilst we’re disappointed to have lost, we still scored over 730 runs and still took 20 wickets which on most occasions when you put those sorts of numbers up on the board, you’d probably say you’d win a Test match.

“We have to cop it on the chin, the loss, but I’m pretty sure we’ve got some improvement left in us here as well.”