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Stokes Backs McCullum as England Coach After Ashes Defeat, Vows Turnaround

Ben Stokes has publicly backed head coach Brendon McCullum to continue in his role following England's 4-1 Ashes series defeat to Australia. Stokes expressed his full support for McCullum, praising him as a great man and a very good coach. The England captain acknowledged the team's performance has been "slowly eking downwards" and called for a period of honest reflection. The focus now shifts to a home Test series against New Zealand in June, where the Stokes-McCullum partnership will seek a fresh start.

Key Points: Stokes Backs McCullum as England Coach After Ashes Loss

  • Stokes backs McCullum despite Ashes loss
  • England's 'Bazball' era faces reflection
  • Australia wins series 4-1
  • Focus turns to New Zealand home series
2 min read

"I do expect him to be...": Ben Stokes backs Brendon McCullum as England's head coach after Ashes defeat

Ben Stokes gives full support to coach Brendon McCullum after England's Ashes defeat, promising honest reflection for a team turnaround.

"I absolutely love working with Baz. He's a great man, and he's a very, very good coach. - Ben Stokes"

Sydney, January 8

The manner of the Ashes defeat has raised questions around Brendon McCullum's role as England's head coach.

Ben Stokes and McCullum revitalised England's Test cricket after taking charge as captain and head coach, respectively, in 2022, ushering in an aggressive, fearless brand of play. However, despite a below-par Ashes campaign, Stokes has thrown his full support behind McCullum.

Australia registered a comprehensive win by five wickets in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday to square off the series 4-1.

"I do expect him to be (in charge), but again it's not my decision. I'm sure if it ever comes to it, I'll be asked my opinion, and he'll be getting my full support and backing. I absolutely love working with Baz. He's a great man, and he's a very, very good coach," Ben Stokes told the reporters.

Australia clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide before the Three Lions bounced back and registered a memorable win in Melbourne.

Throughout the series, Ben Stokes-led England were outplayed by Australia's approach. The visitors' top-order struggled against Australia's pacers.

England's next Test assignment will be a three-match home series against New Zealand in June. Four years ago, the McCullum-Stokes era started, and the pair will be keen to mark a turnaround in their form as they did four years ago.

"We started so well in the first couple of years and then now what we've done, we're just sort of slowly eking downwards, which is never a good place to be as a team," Stokes said

"The time that we've got off after this is a time for reflection and time for some pretty honest truths because it needs to happen, and those kinds of things need to be said, or else you just end up standing still," Stokes concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
As an Indian fan, it's interesting to see England struggle. Our team faced similar issues in SENA countries before improving. McCullum and Stokes brought a revolution, but every philosophy needs evolution. Hope they bounce back, makes for better cricket! 🏏
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David E
The loyalty Stokes shows is commendable. In today's game, coaches are scapegoated after one bad series. They transformed England's mindset. One Ashes loss in Australia doesn't undo that. Give them time.
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Aman W
Honestly, the approach feels a bit arrogant sometimes. Playing fearless cricket is good, but playing smart cricket is better. They were completely outplayed by a disciplined Australian side. The 'honest truths' Stokes talks about should include tempering aggression with common sense.
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Sneha F
It's the classic story, na? Start with a bang, then teams figure you out. Australia had their plans spot on. England's batting was too fragile. Hope they come back stronger for the NZ series, world cricket needs a competitive England team.

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