Tom Banton believes a small message from Brendon McCullum helped shape the comeback that has turned him into a regular in England’s white-ball side. After three and a half years out of the England setup, Banton says that brief moment of encouragement after his return last June has stayed with him ever since.
Banton was back in a T20 against the West Indies last June after a long spell in the international wilderness, and the first night did not go smoothly. He was lbw to Andre Russell for three runs at Durham, a comeback that could easily have left him wondering how long the return might last. Instead, it became the start of a new run in the side.
Since then, Banton has made 28 consecutive England appearances, underlining how quickly he has moved from outsider to established squad member. That matters as England’s 20-over team sits second in the world rankings and is close to overtaking India, with every selection now carrying extra weight.
McCullum’s message made the difference
Banton said he still remembers how nervous he felt in that first match back. “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.”
He added that the advice was not dramatic, but that was exactly why it stuck. “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.”
The link between the two is not new. Banton said he first worked with McCullum at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in 2020, when he was younger and less likely to ask questions. “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.”
Why Banton’s rise fits England’s wider plan
Banton’s form has also matched a broader shift inside the group under Harry Brook. He said the squad has built strong bonds away from cricket over the last 18 months, something he believes has helped England perform under pressure.
“Away from cricket we’re really tight as a group. I’m best mates with a lot of people in that group,” Banton 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.”
He also pointed to Brook’s influence in driving that culture. “Haz has been really big on that and it’s something we really want to push.”
Banton now has another chance to build on that momentum on Saturday, when England try to complete a 3-0 series sweep at Emirates Old Trafford. Stephen Fleming will attend to meet the squad and discuss his job share with McCullum, but Banton’s story remains one of the clearest signs of why this England group believes it is moving in the right direction.
