AGENCIES

Brendon McCullum will continue as England’s head coach across all three formats, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday, despite poor results and concerns over team culture.

Ben Stokes will remain Test captain with Harry Brook as his deputy, while Rob Key continues as managing director following a review triggered by England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

The series drew criticism for England’s casual preparations. They also lost to eventual champions India in the T20 World Cup semifinals this month, a side led by Brook. His off-field altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand last year remained a distraction.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould defended the leadership group, saying: “I’ve seen the driving ambition and determination… to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward.”

McCullum remains contracted until the 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year. England host New Zealand for a three-Test series in June before eight limited-overs matches against India.

Stokes admitted the past three months had been his toughest as captain but backed the leadership to improve. “Baz, Rob and myself have the passion and desire to take this team forward… you learn more from failure than success,” he said on social media.

Key, whose role was also under scrutiny, told Sky Sports McCullum was still the right man. “It was a winter that did not go well… but that doesn’t mean they’re bad leaders.”

On England’s ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, Key said it needed evolution rather than abandonment. “If you lose authenticity… you’re done. Brendon has not done that.”

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott criticised the lack of accountability, saying McCullum and Key had “sabotaged” the Ashes campaign. He argued the team had become complacent, with limited competition for places.

Former captains Michael Vaughan and Mike Atherton also questioned the decision to retain the leadership, with Atherton saying fans would find the “lack of accountability hard to stomach.”