sports
December 30, 2025
McCullum must be held to account even if England end Ashes with another win
A 3-2 series scoreline may make it hard to change coach but you don’t reward a failure of planning because the players clawed a bit back when it was too late
TL;DR
- Brendon McCullum's coaching style, focused on relaxation and high talent, is questioned for its depth and applicability to Test cricket.
- The article criticizes the decision to appoint McCullum to manage an Ashes tour without him applying for the role.
- Concerns are raised about slack planning and a potential lack of accountability for leadership, even if results improve.
- Structural issues in English cricket, such as alienation, invisibility, and elitism, are highlighted as significant problems.
- The author questions the precedent set if failures in basic preparation, like not having practice games, are overlooked.
- Accountability and consequences for performance are deemed essential for the sport to remain relevant.
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