Overview:
ECB chief executive Richard Gould has confirmed that a review is already underway. The officials would be looking into preparations, decision-making and adaptability.
England suffered a 1-4 defeat in the Ashes after one of the most humiliating performances in the history of the famous rivalry. Australia won the final Test by 5 wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts registered victories in three consecutive games before the visitors triumphed at the MCG. However, their jubilation was short-lived as the Steve Smith-led team player another perfect game in Sydney.
Australia were without Josh Hazlewood while regular captain Pat Cummins played one Test. Nathan Lyon was a part of two games, but the Aussies still managed to beat the English side convincingly.
England great Geoffrey Boycott was furious with the below-par performances.
“The three wise men of England became three stooges. Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and Ben Stokes sold a lie for three years,” he wrote for The Telegraph.
“McCullum believes in a philosophy of doing your own thing. Players play without a care in the world, and no one gets dropped, so they keep repeating the same mistakes,” he added.
“Why should the players change if the captain and coach are ok with it? They have the license to do what they want, as there are no consequences.”
While Stokes has refused to listen to the former players, McCullum is still backing the preparations and the tactics. Stokes wants McCullum to continue as head coach despite the Ashes debacle.
Boycott is frustrated as England players are not willing to change under McCullum.
“I like Bredon as he has been a breath of fresh air for England cricket. But he is a gambler who thinks he is always going to win his money back. That is the reason why casinos always win in the end. Many start well but finish in tears. The reason is they don’t know when to stop or change their stuff.”
“Brendon has done his job, and now we need someone else to take our cricket forward,” he mentioned.
“Brendon said we will have to learn, but he hasn’t changed in the last three years. A gambler can’t change.”
England arrived in Australia without any preparations and didn’t play warm-up matches against the rival sides Down Under.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould has confirmed that a review is already underway. The officials would be looking into preparations, decision-making and adaptability.