England men’s coach Brendon McCullum has doubled down on his authority within the team amid reports of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) preparing a thorough review of the 4-1 Ashes defeat. While
the English media is claiming that the ECB could give McCullum to either change his ways — curate a team environment of more professionalism — the Kiwi said that he’s not ready to be ‘told what to do’.
McCullum’s methods of uber-aggressive, ‘entertainment first’ brand of cricket were questionable even before the Ashes. However, here, England have drawn huge criticism for their off-field conduct — including mid-series drinking holidays and a staunch reluctance to play warm-up games — which is being seen as an extension to the allegedly over-lenient team environment created by ‘Baz’.
“I am not against assistance but have a firm belief in how to get the best out of these players,” McCullum told BBC Test Match Special. “I will look at it individually and say ‘what could I have done better?’ Am I for being told what to do? Of course, I am not. But at the same time, I’m not thinking there won’t be areas to improve,” he added.
McCullum pressed on how he has improved England’s overall Test record and how players are happier to play the format, too.
“When I took the job on, I remember the situation England were in. I felt it was a great opportunity to use the resource, talent, support base and history that sits in English cricket to ensure the Test side, while there are challenges which are hitting the game all around the world with franchise cricket etc, are still able to get the best players possible who can get excited to come on tour. Over the last three and a half years with Stokesy and myself, our record is what it is. It has certainly improved from what it was. Whether it is at the levels we all want, probably not, but it doesn’t mean we can’t get there,” he added.
The ECB are in a tricky position, too. Last year, they handed McCullum the responsibility of the white-ball teams as well, and he’s set to lead them in the 2026 T20 World Cup. So, any decision to relieve him of his Test role would have to wait a couple more months.
