The Japan Times - England coach McCullum survives review into Ashes drubbing

Ben Stokes's men were hammered 4-1 on their five-Test tour of Australia, which started in November and ended in January.

In addition to their poor performances there were reports of excessive drinking by players while they were on a break, raising concerns about the dressing-room culture.

Revelations followed that vice-captain Harry Brook had been involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the pre-Ashes visit to New Zealand.

But Stokes, McCullum, and England managing director Rob Key will all keep their jobs following a review of the Ashes campaign by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

McCullum, at the helm since 2022, has been responsible for England's aggressive "Bazball" approach to red-ball cricket.

But his methods have failed to yield a series win against India or Australia -- England's main rivals.

"There was a lot of consideration as to what is the right mix of leadership and who do we want and who do we need?" ECB chief executive Richard Gould told a briefing at Lord's.

"I think what we've seen is a determination from all those involved to adapt and evolve, to understand that there are different ways of doing things and through the disappointment and difficulties of the Ashes to learn from that.

"And so, you know, we've got a lot of people, yes, hurt by what went on during the Ashes, but equally determined to now put things right and looking forward to seeking revenge in 2027 (when Australia tour England)."

K.Yamaguchi--JT