London, May 18: England and Wales Cricket Board has sacked its data analysts Freddie Wilde and Nathan Leamon, weeks ahead of Test series against India as head coach Brendon McCullum wants to put more emphasis on gut feeling and intuition. England's new World Test Championship cycle starts with a five-match series against a new-look Indian side, starting June 20 at the Headingley. India vs England 2025 Schedule, Free PDF Download Online: Get IND vs ENG Test Series Fixtures, Time Table With Match Timings in IST and Venue Details.

"Two of England's senior cricket analysts, Nathan Leamon and Freddie Wilde, are leaving the set-up in a move that suggests the national side will place less emphasis on data moving forward," The Daily Telegraph reported.

"Leamon and Wilde – England's senior data analyst and white-ball analyst respectively – are both winding down their involvement with the national team.

"Neither will be involved in England's white-ball series against West Indies at the end of the month, which marks the start of Harry Brook's reign as captain in both limited-overs formats," the report further stated.

McCullum hasn't been a firm believer in data-only approach, which he feels is more suited for T20 format compared to longer version. "The England hierarchy believe that analysis is more important in franchise cricket than the international game, where players tend to have fewer easily exploitable weaknesses," the report stated.

McCullum also feels that lesser number of support staff also leads to an uncomplicated atmosphere. BCCI Congratulates Rohit Sharma As Star Indian Cricketer Announces Retirement From Test Cricket Ahead of India vs England Test Series.

"As part of this approach, England players are encouraged to take more responsibility for their preparation and performance and there has been a reduction in the number of support staff on match days to de-clutter the dressing room," the report added.

In fact, England's approach has been to contrary to India's where Rahul Dravid's era saw more and more emphasis on data.  "While players are always free to consult the analyst themselves, the management emphasise that players should largely rely on their instincts. Insiders who have worked across the IPL and the national team believe that franchise teams now use data far more prominently than England."

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)