Stokes backs McCullum to remain England head coach after Ashes defeat

England captain Ben Stokes says he cannot imagine anyone else replacing head coach Brendon McCullum despite the tourists surrendering the Ashes series in Australia. Stokes and McCullum, who joined forces in 2022, were expected to face a defining tour but England lost the first three Tests before claiming a morale-boosting win in Melbourne, their first in Australia for almost 15 years.

The series finishes in Sydney from Sunday. Both Stokes and McCullum have contracts through 2027 and have said they want to stay in their roles after the tour. Stokes said: "There is no doubt in my mind that me and Brendon are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future." He added he "can't see there being someone else who could take this team from where we are now to even bigger heights." The results could still prompt scrutiny of McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key.

England's only Ashes win in Australia since 1986 came in 2010-11, and losses there have previously led to sweeping changes. Stokes argued that past changes have not solved the problem, saying that repeating the same approach would lead back to the same situation and noting others sit above him in the decision-making structure.

McCullum is due to lead England at next month's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and any decision on his future is unlikely until after that tournament. Stokes said he would "hope" to be consulted on potential changes.

Key Topics

Sports, United States, Cricket, Ashes, England, Coaching, Brendon Mccullum