England Test captain Ben Stokes has backed under-fire coach Brendan McCullum despite a poor performance in the Ashes series in Australia. As England reflect on their Ashes campaign, head coach McCullum’s future is under scrutiny, with an internal assessment that will check the team’s preparationsupport staff and off-field activities. The review will also consider results from the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, which begins on February 7.
Concerns have been raised about technical expertise as England currently lack a dedicated coach or wicketkeeping mentor. Bowling consultant David Saker is on a short-term contract and men’s team director Rob Key is also under scrutiny for an effective coaching staff. Investigating the team’s activities mid-tour, including a break in Noosathey found no wrongdoing by the players, but aspects such as team culture and the costs of such initiatives are being reviewed.
Despite these assessments, Stokes has made his stance on McCullum’s future clear. The England captain said he enjoyed working with the former New Zealand skipper. Stokes said both men will have to go back to the drawing board and assess how they can change things going forward.
“There’s no doubt that myself and Brendon are the right people to continue this in the near future. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Brendon. I can’t see anyone else that I can take this team (with) from where we are now to even greater heights. So for us as captain and coach, when we have time off, we’ve got to put our heads together and we’ve got to move forward to do that.” level?’” Stokes said, according to Yahoo Sport.
Stokes acknowledged last year’s mixed results and some inconsistency compared to previous years.
“You look back at how things have gone over the last year, the results and the consistency wasn’t quite there from the first two-and-a-half to three years we were in charge. All we’ve ever wanted to do is keep pushing the guys and not wanting to stand still. We’ve got a few things to go away that we can talk about and try to get the guys forward even more than we’ve been able to do since me and Brendon have been around.
Since McCullum took over additional coaching duties for the white-ball teams at the start of 2025, England’s Test wins have dipped, with 22 wins in 35 matches before that and just 4 in 10 since, including a 2-2 draw at home to India and a disappointing Ashes tour. The one-day side managed four wins and 11 losses to exit the Champions Trophy in the group stage, while the T20I side has eight wins and five defeats ahead of the World Cup.
Stokes commented on McCullum’s expanded role, saying it has not changed his relationship with the Test side.
“He’s got two jobs. (But) it hasn’t affected the relationship we have with this Test team,” Stokes said.
England and Wales Cricket Board chiefs are wary of introducing sweeping changes following the fallout of the Ashes but will be aware McCullum will need to get results quickly if he is to remain as coach.
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Published on:
January 2, 2026
