Sir Geoffrey Boycott has urged for the removal of Brendon McCullum following England’s embarrassing loss in the Ashes series. The defeat in the third Test, which Australia won by 82 runs, sealed the fate of the series after just 11 days of play.
Only the 1921 Ashes were decided in fewer days when Australia secured a 3-0 lead with victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Despite the upcoming matches in Melbourne and Sydney, England’s focus has shifted towards post-2025-26 series plans.
McCullum, 44, took charge in May 2022, guiding England from one win in 17 Test matches to 10 victories out of the next 11 under Ben Stokes’ captaincy. However, criticisms have arisen since the 2-2 draw in the last Ashes series in 2023, with England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ style facing scrutiny following losses to India and a home draw against them.
Boycott believes it is time for a change, emphasizing the need to replace McCullum to revamp England’s cricketing approach. The legendary former batsman highlighted the necessity for transformation to elevate England’s performance level.
In response to the Adelaide Oval defeat, McCullum acknowledged his coaching errors and expressed disappointment over the team’s preparation for the crucial series. He admitted to missteps and the need for self-assessment to rectify the shortcomings.
Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering members savings of £192 and showcasing over 1,400 live matches across various leagues. Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 matches from previous seasons.