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"Not really up to me": McCullum clears the air on staying as England coach after Ashes defeat

Soumyajit Dutta

Brendon McCullum opens up on staying as England coach [Source: @ViSHAAL_4x/X.com]Brendon McCullum opens up on staying as England coach [Source: @ViSHAAL_4x/X.com]

Brendon McCullum's leadership of England's Test team faces a cruel scrutiny after an Ashes defeat in Australia was sealed within the first three matches.

The New Zealander and the definition of ‘Bazball’, who once said this series would "define" his team, is under contract until the end of 2027, a period which includes the next home Ashes.

Despite a decent start to his tenure, England's form has stalled, with no wins in their major five-match series against Australia or India since his initial success.

McCullum speaks for the first time after Ashes defeat

Speaking to the BBC, McCullum shared how he feels about his job as the coach and what he thinks should be the job of a coach.

"It's a pretty good gig. It's good fun. You want to try to get the best out of people. I don't do anything to protect the job. It's a matter of trying to just get the very best out of the people and try to achieve what you can with them," McCullum said.

When asked if he believes he will still be in charge for next year's home summer, Brendon McCullum was diplomatic.

"I don't know. It's not really up to me, is it? I'll just keep trying to do the job, trying to learn the lessons I haven't quite got right here and try to make some adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me," McCullum added.

McCullum hopeful of continuing work with England

After winning 10 of his first 11 Tests, England's record under McCullum has levelled out. From 33 Tests following that early run, they have won 15 and lost 16. His role has also expanded to include oversight of England's white-ball teams ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

"I'm enjoying the time that I've got with these guys, and we've made some progress from when I took over to where we are. We're not the finished article, but we've definitely improved as a cricket team. Now's the time for us in the last two Tests to really show that identity and try to salvage something from it," McCullum concluded.

The Adelaide loss extended England's woes in winless run in Tests in Australia to 18 matches, with their last series victory there coming almost 15 years back.