Brendon McCullum has insisted he remains the right man to guide England’s Test side, even as he acknowledged uncertainty over whether he will still be head coach by the start of next English summer following another bruising Ashes campaign in Australia.
England’s defeat by 82 runs in the third Test handed Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead inside just 11 days, extending England’s miserable run Down Under to 18 Tests without a win. The result has also cast serious doubt over the much-hyped Bazball philosophy, which had fuelled optimism before the tour began but has struggled to withstand Australian conditions.
Captain Ben Stokes reaffirmed his commitment to leading the side despite admitting England’s performances had been “poor”. Much of the criticism has centred on preparation, with England playing just one three-day warm-up match against the Lions, as well as a perceived lack of tactical adjustment and hands-on guidance — areas that ultimately fall under McCullum’s remit.
After an encouraging start following his appointment in 2022, England’s results have dipped. Since the beginning of 2024, they have lost more Tests than they have won, and this Ashes defeat means England have now failed to win a five-match series in four attempts under the McCullum–Stokes partnership. Overall, their record stands at 25 wins and 17 losses from 44 Tests.
Despite having his contract extended through to 2027 — a deal that also saw him take charge of England’s white-ball teams — McCullum admitted his future is not entirely in his control. Reports suggest dismissing him would cost the ECB more than £1 million.
“I don’t know,” McCullum said when asked if he would still be Test coach next summer. “It’s not really up to me, is it? I’ll just keep trying to do the job, learn the lessons we haven’t quite got right, and make some adjustments. Those decisions are for others.”
He stressed that he remains motivated and believes progress has been made, even if England are far from the finished product. “It’s a pretty good gig,” he said. “You travel the world, try to play exciting cricket, and get the best out of people. I think we’ve improved as a team and built an identity. Now it’s about showing that identity in the last two Tests and trying to salvage something.”
England have already moved on to Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. McCullum ruled out calling in players from outside the squad, but changes are likely, with Jacob Bethell and Matthew Potts among those pushing for selection.
While the series is effectively gone, McCullum believes England can still take something meaningful from the tour. Their last Test win in Australia came back in 2011, and the coach sees no reason they cannot end that drought.
“This one hurts, no doubt,” he said. “But we’ve got a job to do in Melbourne and Sydney. If we can free ourselves mentally, accept the pressure, and just play the game, we give ourselves a chance. If we can salvage something from the next two Tests, that matters.”
For McCullum, the immediate focus remains on restoring belief and pride — even as questions about his longer-term future continue to linger.
