Sacking Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum won't fix England's woes: Strauss
What's the story
Former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss has warned that sacking head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes won't solve the team's long-standing problems in Australia. The warning comes after England's dismal performance in the ongoing Ashes series, where they are trailing 0-3. Strauss, who captained England to an away Ashes victory 15 years ago, highlighted a "depressingly one-sided story" of defeats Down Under.
Long-term strategy
Strauss questions short-term solutions in cricket
Strauss, who led England to a famous 3-1 series win in 2010/11, has questioned the practice of looking for quick fixes such as firing and hiring. He was hired by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to conduct a high-performance review after England's last tour of Australia. His report suggested several changes, including reducing First-Class matches and restructuring County Championship divisions to incentivize elite player development.
Performance critique
Stance on England's cricket performance
In a recent post on LinkedIn, Strauss lamented another failed Ashes campaign for England. He said, "McCullum and Stokes will come under extreme scrutiny for the decisions they took in preparation for this tour." However, he also stressed that these individuals aren't solely responsible for England's consistent losses in Australia. According to him, Australia are simply a better side with an efficient high-performance system.
Change advocacy
Strauss advocates for transformation in English cricket
Strauss highlighted the need for real change in English cricket to break the cycle of defeat. He said, "If we are genuinely serious about changing this depressingly one-sided story, then we need to look beyond sacking England coaches and captains." Notably, the former cricketer served as the ECB's director of cricket after retirement and later as a strategic advisor. He exited in May 2023 after his reforms were rejected.
Record
England haven't won in Australia since January 2011
England continue to be in a downward spiral Down Under. The Ashes urn has been with Australia since the 2017/18 edition Down Under, which they won 4-0. England lost the 2021/22 series in Australia by a 4-0 margin. The 2019 and 2023 series in England have been drawn (2-2). Notably, England last won a Test in Australia in January 2011, under Strauss. They were routed 5-0 by the Aussies in the 2013/14 series.
Ashes 2025/26
How the 2025/26 Ashes has panned out
Despite being ahead at one stage, England lost the opening Test to Australia by eight wickets in Perth. After a break, Australia outclassed England at The Gabba, a pink-ball affair. Australia took a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, winning both Tests within six days of play. England then lost by 82 runs at Adelaide Oval, losing the series. Melbourne and Sydney will host the final two Tests.