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Joe Root backs Stokes-McCullum era despite England’s Ashes disappointment

Kaushik Kashyap

Joe Root backs Stokes and McCullum to continue. [Source - AFP]Joe Root backs Stokes and McCullum to continue. [Source - AFP]

Former England captain Joe Root has thrown his full support behind Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and the current England leadership group despite a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia. Root believes no changes are needed to the England's current Test management.

Ashes loss puts pressure on England’s management

England’s hopes winning the Ashes in Australia were effectively ended after three heavy defeats earlier in the series. Although England bounced back with a morale-boosting win in the fourth Test at the MCG, the damage had already been done.

The result left England unable to recover the series, increasing pressure on captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, and director of cricket Rob Key. Despite the heartbreak, Stokes has shown no hesitation in continuing as Test captain, having put his heart and soul into the series.

Root stands firm behind England leadership

Amid the pressure surrounding England’s Ashes campaign, Joe Root has offered strong backing to the current leadership, while speaking to the media after the MCG win, highlighting the unity within the squad behind the management.

“In terms of the playing group, we are absolutely committed to the management. Yes, we can be better and there are certain areas that we will continue to keep working at, but that management work extremely hard," Root said.

Root understands the pressure that comes with touring Australia. He led England on their previous Ashes tour, which ended in a 4-0 defeat and resulted in major changes, including the departure of coach Chris Silverwood and director of cricket Ashley Giles.

Since Stokes took over the Test captaincy in 2022, with McCullum as head coach, the focus has been on changing England’s mindset. While winning in Australia was their ultimate goal, Root believes the team has improved significantly despite falling short.