England's humiliating Ashes defeat in Australia has prompted a fierce call for change from one of the nation's most iconic cricketers, with Sir Geoffrey Boycott demanding head coach Brendon McCullum be sacked.
Ashes Lost in Near-Record Time
The fate of the 2025-26 Ashes series was sealed after just 11 days of play, as Australia secured an unassailable 3-0 lead with victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. This marks the quickest Ashes decision since the 1921 series, leaving England's hopes of a first Test win in Australia for 15 years in tatters with only the Melbourne and Sydney matches remaining.
Boycott's Blunt Verdict on 'Bazball' Era
In a scathing column for the Telegraph, Boycott, a long-time critic of England's aggressive 'Bazball' philosophy, stated the approach had run its course. "A lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes for what they have done for our cricket but it is obvious that Bazball has run its race," he wrote.
Boycott argued that "hubris has taken over from common sense" and that the current leadership under McCullum and captain Ben Stokes was like "men digging a hole to nowhere." He directly addressed England managing director Rob Key, whose own position is under scrutiny, urging him to act.
"What would I do? Change the coach," Boycott declared. "We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams so Rob Key, it is time for you to assert yourself."
Pressure Mounts on McCullum and Stokes
Brendon McCullum, 44, was appointed in May 2022 and initially oversaw a dramatic turnaround, with England winning 10 of their next 11 Tests after a poor run of one win in 17. However, since the drawn 2023 Ashes, results have declined, including a 4-1 series loss in India and a drawn home series against the same opponents this summer.
Boycott also suggested that if Stokes is unwilling to adapt his approach, a new captain should be considered. "I would also sit down with Stokes and find out if he will compromise... If he doesn't see that a change of attitude is needed then you have to find a new captain," he added.
Following the defeat in Adelaide, McCullum admitted to errors in preparation for the series. "We haven't got everything right. I haven't got everything right as a coach and I put my hand up for that," he told Test Match Special, acknowledging that attempts to replicate previous successful preparations may have been misguided.
The future of England's Test leadership now hangs in the balance as the inquest into a devastating Ashes loss begins.
