Brendon McCullum has made one thing clear: he wants to stay on as England head coach. Whether that happens, however, may depend on forces beyond his control.
Speaking after England slipped 3–0 down in the Ashes, McCullum acknowledged the uncertainty around his position, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to the role. Contracted until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle, the New Zealander insists his focus remains on improving the team rather than protecting his job.
“It’s a pretty good gig,” McCullum said, describing the challenge of travelling the world and trying to get the best out of his players. “I don’t do anything to protect the job. It’s about trying to achieve what you can with the people you’ve got.”
Results Under the Microscope
McCullum’s comments come against the backdrop of another bruising Ashes campaign. England’s defeat in Adelaide extended their winless run in Tests in Australia to 18 matches and left them staring at the possibility of a 5–0 whitewash — a fate that has befallen three previous England sides.
Ironically, Brendon McCullum was appointed in 2022 after a similarly grim Ashes tour, inheriting a team that had lost 4–0. Alongside captain Ben Stokes, he sparked an immediate revival, winning 10 of his first 11 Tests and reshaping England’s identity with an aggressive, fearless approach.
Since then, momentum has slowed. England have failed to win marquee five-Test series against Australia or India, and their overall record has dipped to 15 wins and 16 defeats from 33 matches following that explosive start.
Contracts Offer Stability — For Now
Both McCullum and Stokes are tied to England until 2027, with Stokes signing a new central contract in November. Any call on their futures is likely to involve the England and Wales Cricket Board, particularly men’s managing director Rob Key, who originally appointed McCullum and is set to face media scrutiny in Melbourne.
Asked directly whether he expects to be in charge next summer, McCullum was characteristically pragmatic. “I don’t know. It’s not really up to me, is it?” he said. “I’ll just keep trying to do the job, learn the lessons, and make some adjustments.”
Selection Questions Loom in Melbourne
On the field, England face key decisions ahead of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where a crowd approaching 100,000 is expected. Batter Ollie Pope could make way, with Jacob Bethell the reserve option, while Brydon Carse may be the casualty if England reshuffle their pace attack.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir, first choice on paper, has yet to feature, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed remains occupied with Big Bash duties. McCullum has ruled out outside reinforcements, insisting the solution lies within his 16-man squad.
Faith in the Method
Despite mixed messaging and public comments that have drawn attention — including references to “weak men” and England needing to avoid a “glass jaw” — Brendon McCullum remains adamant his support for players is unwavering.
“I’ll always have the back of my players,” he said. “You challenge privately, but publicly you protect.”
Whether that philosophy — and McCullum’s tenure — survives beyond this Ashes may soon be decided. For now, England’s coach is focused on salvaging pride, reinforcing identity, and proving there is still substance behind the bold vision that once reignited English Test cricket.
