England’s Test team made a strong start under Brendon McCullum after his appointment in the summer of 2022. The aggressive “Bazball” style brought quick results, excitement, and belief back into the side. However, that early success has faded, and England’s recent performances, especially in the Ashes, have raised serious questions about the team’s direction and McCullum’s future.
Since the start of 2024, England have lost 13 Test matches and won only 12. Overall, McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have recorded 25 wins and 17 losses from 44 Tests. More importantly, England have failed to win a single five-match Test series in four attempts under their leadership. The latest Ashes defeat in Australia has once again put the spotlight firmly on McCullum.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, McCullum admitted he does not know if he will still be in charge by the 2026 English summer. He made it clear, however, that he wants to continue and enjoys the role. McCullum said his focus is on learning from mistakes, making changes, and getting the best out of his players rather than worrying about his position.
Where Has England Gone Wrong Since Bazball Began?
Bazball worked well at the start because it gave players freedom and clarity of thought. England played with confidence and attacked bowlers without fear. But over time, teams have adapted, and England’s approach has often looked too rigid, especially away from home.
In Australia, England struggled to handle pressure. When early wickets fell, batting collapses followed quickly. Critics say England relied too much on attacking shots instead of reading the match situation. This made them easy to control on pitches that demanded patience.
Preparation has also been a big talking point. England faced criticism for not playing enough practice matches in Australia and for training too hard instead of adjusting to local conditions. McCullum later accepted that some decisions did not work. Despite focusing heavily on mindset, the team looked tense and nervous during key moments of the Ashes series.
McCullum has defended his style, saying Bazball is not about fast scoring but about clear thinking and understanding risk. He has stressed that the overall approach will not change while he remains head coach.
What Happens Next for McCullum and the ECB?
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) now faces a tough decision. McCullum’s contract runs until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, and ending it early would be very expensive. In 2024, his role was expanded to include England’s white-ball teams, linking his future closely with team director Rob Key.
While the ECB is believed to be careful about making sudden changes, pressure is growing. England have lost 21 of their last 39 matches across all formats this year. There are also questions about whether McCullum and Ben Stokes are fully aligned, especially after England played unusually slow cricket in Adelaide.
For now, McCullum’s aim is simple: improve performances and finish the Ashes strongly. Whether that will be enough to keep his job depends on the results and whether the ECB believes Bazball can still succeed with changes.
