Ben Stokes backs Brendon McCullum despite Ashes defeat
England captain Ben Stokes has thrown his full support behind head coach Brendon McCullum, insisting he sees no alternative to their partnership continuing despite the tourists losing the Ashes series in Australia, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking ahead of the final Test in Sydney, set to start on Sunday, Stokes expressed steadfast confidence in their leadership duo. “There is no doubt in my mind that me and Brendon are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future,” he stated. Also addressing the nature of their partnership, he added, “I can’t see there being someone else who could take this team from where we are now to even bigger heights.”
The pair joined forces in 2022, with this Australian tour regarded as a significant test of their leadership credentials. England suffered defeats in the first three matches, ultimately conceding the series but salvaging some pride with a victory in Melbourne—marked as their first win on Australian soil in nearly 15 years. Both McCullum and Stokes hold contracts until 2027 and have expressed a desire to continue in their roles following this campaign.
While Stokes is viewed as the strongest captaincy option within the team and is expected to lead through the home summer, the futures of McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key may attract closer scrutiny. Any decision regarding McCullum’s position is anticipated to occur after the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.
Stokes countered suggestions that sweeping changes are necessary, referencing England’s historical post-Ashes upheavals yielding little improvement. He remarked, “We have not won here since 2010-11 and since that series, things have happened because we think people need to change things, but it has not really worked, has it?” Stokes further cautioned that drastic actions could lead to repeating past failures.
Addressing concerns over McCullum’s workload since assuming expanded responsibilities overseeing England’s white-ball teams in early 2025, Stokes expressed confidence in their current relationship, asserting, “It has not influenced the relationship we have with this Test team whatsoever.”
England announced a 12-man squad for the Sydney finale, including Durham seamer Matthew Potts, who replaces Gus Atkinson due to a hamstring injury. Spinner Shoaib Bashir returns to the squad after recovering from a finger fracture sustained during the third Test against India at Lord’s in July.
As the final Test looms, England’s aspirations hinge on a blend of maintaining the current leadership team and delivering a performance that can restore some pride after a challenging series. In cricket, as in life, the line between loyalty and results often proves to be a delicate one, and Stokes’ faith in his partnership with McCullum will be keenly tested in the coming days.
