The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hold important discussions with Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum in Sydney. According to the Daily Mail, ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chairman Richard Thompson are expected to travel to Australia for the fifth and final Ashes 2025-26 Test, with McCullum’s future as England’s head coach serving as the main topic.
ECB to review McCullum & Bazball
The current England team was labelled as the strongest team travelling Down Under since 2010-11, the last time England won an away Ashes. But they lost the series in just 11 days, the joint-earliest away loss for England since the Second World War.
Josh Hazlewood didn’t play one match, and Pat Cummins features in just one. Yet, Australia won the Ashes comfortably. ‘Bazball’ came under heavy scrutiny as England failed to adapt to the situation and conditions with bat and ball.
ECB will hold discussions and decide whether to continue with McCullum as England’s all-format head coach. Initially brought on as a Test coach, the former New Zealand captain was named white-ball coach in September 2024.
McCullum’s contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup. But considering England’s ODI record, 4-11 in 2025, and a record Ashes defeat, the ECB have to discuss whether he should continue as all-format coach. Reports suggest that the Kiwi won’t be removed. With the T20 World Cup 2026 round the corner, the ECB can’t just change their coach.
New support staff
While McCullum may continue for the time being, the ECB are expected to make a couple of changes in the backroom staff. England doesn’t have a fielding coach. McCullum and Stokes allowed Tim Southee, their bowling coach, to play in the ILT20 instead of travelling to Australia for the Ashes. They have also removed several analysts.
ECB are expected to appoint coaches who’ll challenge McCullum and Stokes’ rigid ideas.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
India cricket fans' wishlist for 2026: Defend T20 World Cup title & treat fans better
Top Stories
