Ashes 2025-26: Brendon McCullum accepts England can improve but says he is not being told what to do

In an effort to relieve players of pressure, a relaxed environment has been a cornerstone of McCullum’s England squad since he took over as Test coach at the start of 2022.

But on this tour, which began with a real sense that England could be competitive, England looked unserious with questions being asked about their preparations, training methods and a clear lack of accountability for mistakes made on the pitch.

Their time playing golf and amount of drinking were also highlighted on the mid-series trip to Noosa.

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould has visited Australia in recent weeks and will have a role in any changes.

“When I took over, I remember the situation England were in,” McCullum said.

“I felt it was a great opportunity to use the resources, talent, support base and history that exists in English cricket to ensure the Test side, while there are challenges hitting the game around the world with franchise cricket and so on, is still able to get the best possible players who can be excited about coming on the tour.

“Over the last three and a half years with Stoke and I, our record is what it is.

“It’s definitely improved from where it was. Whether it’s at the levels we all want, it probably won’t be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get there.”

McCullum and Stokes won 10 of their first 11 matches, having taken over after a run of one victory in 17 Tests.

Despite this improvement, they failed to win any of their major series under this system.

They drew the 2023 Ashes and last summer’s series against India 2-2, and lost 4-1 in India in 2024.

They lost this series at the earliest opportunity with defeats in the first three Tests.

“Obviously I’m disappointed with the outcome of the series,” McCollum said. “As a coach you have to raise your hand.

“There are things we have to look at over the next little while. I would like to continue because I feel we have steps to take, things to improve.

“I feel like we’ve got the makings of a good cricket team. We haven’t lived up to that here but there are some good years ahead of us in English cricket.”