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Stokes Backs McCullum Despite Ashes Loss: "We're the Right People"

England captain Ben Stokes has publicly backed head coach Brendon McCullum to continue despite losing the Ashes series to Australia. Stokes insists their partnership is vital for the team's future, though he acknowledges they must analyze their flaws. The pair, architects of the 'Bazball' era, have seen mixed results after a spectacular start to their tenure. England will look to salvage a win in the final Test in Sydney to end the series on a positive note.

Key Points: Stokes Supports McCullum as England Coach After Ashes Defeat

  • Stokes' full support for McCullum
  • Need to analyze flaws after defeat
  • Mixed results after initial 'Bazball' success
  • Aim to end Ashes with Sydney win
2 min read

'We're the right people': Stokes backs McCullum to continue as England coach despite Ashes loss

Ben Stokes reaffirms his partnership with Brendon McCullum, vowing to analyze flaws and improve after England's Ashes series loss to Australia.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Brendon and I are the right people to carry on doing this. - Ben Stokes"

Sydney, Jan 2

England captain Ben Stokes has thrown his full support behind head coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the final Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, insisting their partnership remains vital despite the series defeat.

Ben Stokes has said that he does not doubt that he wants McCullum alongside him as the England head coach. However, he accepted that the Ashes defeat means that the coach and captain duo have to sit down and work out how they can cure the flaws.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Brendon and I are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have worked with Brendon. I cannot see there being someone else who I could take this team with from where we are now to even bigger heights," Stokes said before the Sydney Test.

"So for us as captain and coach, when we do have the time off, we need to put our heads together and go, What is it that we think we need to do to go to the next level?'' he added.

Brendon McCullum started coaching England's men's Test team in May 2022, becoming the Test head coach, and later took over the white-ball teams as well, officially starting that dual role in January 2025. He was appointed to revamp the Test side, leading to the famous Bazball era, and in 2024, was named all-format coach, beginning his full duties in 2025.

England won 10 of their first 11 Tests under Stokes and McCullum, but their results have been mixed since that opening burst of success. In their past 34 Tests, England have won 16 and lost 16, with two draws. They have not managed a victory in a marquee five-Test series against Australia or India.

In the ongoing Ashes, they are also reeling behind Australia by 3-1 and would like to end the series with a win in the last match, which will start on 4th January at Sydney Cricket Ground.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, it's interesting to watch. Stokes' loyalty is admirable, but the results speak for themselves. Our Indian team faced them and saw the flaws. Sometimes a fresh perspective is needed, not just sticking with the same "right people".
A
Aman W
Win or lose, the Stokes-McCullum combo has made Test cricket fun to watch again! That's a big achievement. Hope they figure it out. From an Indian perspective, more competitive teams are good for the sport globally. 👍
S
Sarah B
The stats don't lie - 16 wins and 16 losses in the last 34 Tests. That's the definition of average. Leadership is about accountability, not just public backing. Maybe they need to look beyond their partnership for answers.
V
Vikram M
It's like a corporate CEO backing his failing strategy. The Ashes is the ultimate test for England, and losing 3-1 at home (edit: in Australia) is a massive failure. McCullum's all-format role might be stretching him too thin. They need a specialist Test coach.
K
Kavya N
Respect for Stokes standing by his coach. That's true leadership. But as fans here in India, we know winning the big trophies and series is what counts. Hope they find a way to make Bazball work in crunch situations, not just in early summer Tests.

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