Despite England’s tough start to the 2026 Ashes series in Australia, captain Ben Stokes has made it clear he cannot imagine Brendon McCullum being replaced as England’s head coach. The duo, who began their tenure in 2022, have weathered scrutiny after a challenging tour, yet Stokes insists the partnership is the best way forward for English cricket.

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Stokes and McCullum: A Partnership Under the Microscope

Stokes and McCullum took charge of the England Test team in 2022, bringing a new energy and modern approach to the side. The 2026 Ashes tour was seen as a defining test of their leadership, but early defeats in the first three Tests left England trailing.

England managed a morale-boosting win in the fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, their first victory in Australia in nearly 15 years, and will now conclude the series in Sydney. Both Stokes and McCullum have contracts until 2027, and their commitment to the team appears steadfast.

“There is no doubt in my mind that me and Brendon are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future,” Stokes said.

When asked if the duo is seen as a single partnership, Stokes added:

“I can’t see there being someone else who could take this team from where we are now to even bigger heights.”

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England’s Ashes Woes Continue

England’s record in Australia has been consistently disappointing. Their last series victory down under came in 2010-11, and defeats often trigger calls for sweeping changes in management. Stokes, however, believes reactionary moves do not solve the underlying issues:

“Since that series things have happened because people thought change was needed, but it hasn’t really worked, has it?”

The England leadership structure—including coach McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key—may face scrutiny, but Stokes emphasises that stability is key to progress.

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McCullum’s Dual Role and England’s Test Performance

Since early 2025, McCullum has also overseen England’s white-ball teams, adding responsibilities while continuing as Test coach. Some critics questioned whether this dual role has affected the Test side, but Stokes rejects that notion:

“He has got two jobs to do now. It has not influenced the relationship we have with this Test team whatsoever.”

Under Stokes and McCullum, England initially thrived, winning 10 of their first 11 Tests. However, results have been more mixed in recent years: in the past 34 Tests, England has won 16, lost 16, and drawn 2, struggling to secure series victories against top teams like Australia and India.

Rob Key also noted that prior commitments, such as the white-ball series in New Zealand, may have affected preparation for Australia, though he is unwilling to “write off” the prior matches.

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Selection Updates Ahead of the Fifth Ashes Test

England have named a 12-man squad for the final Test, with spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts included. Bashir, returning from a finger injury sustained in July 2025, had been overlooked for the first four Tests. Potts, from Durham, is also back after more than a year since his last Test appearance in Hamilton against New Zealand.

“There’s an opportunity for someone to come in this week after the disappointing news with what happened to Gus last week,” Stokes said, referring to pace bowler Gus Atkinson, ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Australia may also adjust their squad, with potential changes including spinner Todd Murphy replacing seamer Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster practicing in the gully role typically occupied by all-rounder Cameron Green.

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The Road Ahead for England Cricket

With the Ashes series concluding, attention will shift to McCullum leading England in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Decisions on his long-term future are expected after that tournament, but Stokes hopes to be consulted regarding any changes in the England hierarchy.

The ongoing McCullum-Stokes partnership reflects a broader emphasis on stability, leadership continuity, and long-term planning in English cricket. While Ashes results remain a benchmark, both men are committed to nurturing a team capable of achieving sustained success across formats.

“We’re both pretty keen on carrying on doing what we are doing,” Stokes said, reaffirming his belief in McCullum’s leadership.