England head coach Brendon McCullum believes the upcoming Ashes series in Australia will serve as a defining moment for his side’s development, insisting the 2025 tour presents his side’s ultimate challenge as well as opportunity. With the first Test looming, McCullum said the group had spent the last two years building to this moment and were now ready to take on the pressure of playing on cricket’s biggest stage.
“This team has been together for a good few years and we’ve been building to this moment,” McCullum was quoted as saying by the BBC. “It’s the biggest stage and the brightest lights. It’s a series that could define the teams, the people and the players in it — and that’s okay.”
McCullum emphasized that England must rely on a fearless attacking style which has defined their renaissance in Test cricket since he and Ben Stokes took over in 2022. “You know you’re ready, you know you’ve got the game to compete at this level. Stick together, play the style you’re used to and we’ll see where we land in a few months.”
The former New Zealand captain admitted he feels much more settled now that England have confirmed their squad and preparations. “I’m super excited and I’m probably a little more relaxed now than I was a few weeks ago. We put our team on the starting line. I feel like our horse is going to run well. If we find another horse in the race that’s better than us – who knows?”
ASHES 2025: A DEFINING MOMENT FOR STOKES’ LEADERSHIP
For McCullum, the Ashes could act as a definitive indicator of England’s development under Stokes. “For this team, it will define the progress we’ve made. For Stokesy to be able to lead an England team to an Ashes win away from home would be massive.”
He acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but urged his players to keep perspective. “We understand the scale of the task, but we’re not trying to cure cancer. We’re trying to win a few cricket matches. Yes, there will be pressure, but be yourself lads.”
Ben Stokes, who returns to the series after being sidelined with a shoulder injury, has already assembled his team to “make history”. According to McCullum, the captain is in top mental and emotional condition. “Emotionally, he’s in the best place I’ve seen him. Leadership-wise, I’ve never seen him better. He’s ready to go. He knows this is a huge moment for him.”
England now enter the Ashes with clarity, confidence and the belief that the next two months could change their path.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 20, 2025
