Veteran England seamer Stuart Broad says coach Brendon McCullum's focus on fun has not just revitalised the team's Test fortunes but could grow global interest in the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Broad is set to return for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, having missed the 3-0 series win in Pakistan in December following the birth of his daughter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 36-year-old said returning to the England set-up under former Black Caps captain McCullum had been a pleasure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Riding high on the back of nine wins from 10 Tests overseen by the attack-minded coach, England's players have spent much of their two weeks of preparation focusing on team bonding, including countless rounds of golf.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's been one of the best, most enjoyable starts to a tour that I've ever had in my time," Broad told journalists.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I think Baz (McCullum) has got a great mentality for the group, and life really.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"In this environment, I don't think I've ever heard stats or numbers mentioned once. It's all about going with the feel of the game and taking the positive option at all times."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Broad said McCullum's approach contrasted with the successful regime under Andy Flower, when England climbed to the top of the world Test rankings after winning the 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We got to number one through discipline, through organisation and knowing exactly what our roles were," Broad said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Andrew Strauss was captain, he wanted everyone to go at under three (runs) an over and bat a long time. All our batters averaged over 40.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"So different styles do work ... but there's no doubt this has been the most fun environment that I've been a part of and I think it's because that is almost Baz's number one priority."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Broad believed other nations will seriously consider copying England's buccaneering approach, which he said would be great for the game at a time when Twenty20 leagues threaten to steal players and eyeballs away from Test cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Baz knows that Test cricket and the world game is under a bit of pressure. It's much easier to go and play for a T20 franchise, where there's no pressure on you to play particularly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n