According to Tom Banton, the most critical moment in his international career was a quick but significant conversation with England head coach Brendon McCullum. Before returning for a Twenty20 match against the West Indies in June 2025, the 27-year-old opener had been out of the England team for three and a half years. He adds that McCullum’s words after that difficult first game have stayed with him ever since.
In Durham, Tom Banton made a comeback, but Andre Russell trapped him lbw for three runs. Following this journey, McCullum offered him words of encouragement. Banton has made 28 consecutive appearances for England since that conversation.
In England’s series-winning triumph over Sri Lanka on Thursday, he scored 52 not out from 24 deliveries. “I remember my first game back, I was fairly anxious. It was away in Durham against the West Indies, and I didn’t get many. I thought, “Oh no, this might not last very long.”
Baz approached me and said something little but important. I always think about it. It was nothing out of the ordinary, simply something minor that I’ve always recalled, whether in this England situation or elsewhere. “Baz, for me, has been fantastic, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him,” Tom Banton told The Independent.
What is the current status of Tom Banton and McCullum’s relationship?
McCullum and Tom Banton have a shared history that predates the England setup. When McCullum was the coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in 2020, the two worked together. However, Banton has stated that he was younger and less confident at the time, so he did not take full advantage of the opportunity to learn from the New Zealander.
“I had him in the IPL when I was younger, more shy, and perhaps didn’t ask enough questions. But now I feel like we’ve developed a wonderful relationship. “I can’t thank him enough,” Tom Banton stated.
Banton’s confidence has grown since McCullum took over the team, as seen by the contrast between his reserved approach at KKR and his current honesty in the England camp.
What state is England’s Twenty20 team in before the series finale?
England’s T20 team is currently placed second in the globe, having won 15 of its 17 games in 2026. The club has a strong culture both on and off the field, led by captain Harry Brook. I’m best friends with several of the people in that circle. I believe it has been quite beneficial for us to spend so much time together outside of cricket. It’s tiny stuff, like playing cards or Perudo.
It’s not that crucial but when it comes to the ground and there’s a key 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 previous 18 months. Haz (Brook) has been really vocal about this, and it’s something we really want to promote,” Tom Banton added.
On September 19, England will attempt to complete a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford. In order to view the players and discuss with McCullum regarding a job-sharing agreement, incoming Test coach Stephen Fleming is also slated to attend the match.
