Overview
- Multiple outlets citing Telegraph Sport report the ECB has told Brendon McCullum to accept tighter methods and cultural changes or risk his position.
- The board is not expected to remove McCullum, captain Ben Stokes, or director of cricket Rob Key immediately with the Sydney Test still ongoing.
- Chief executive Richard Gould and chairman Richard Thompson are running the in‑house review after attending several Ashes Tests, including the finale in Sydney.
- ECB figures reportedly believe England’s Bazball approach tipped into recklessness and want stronger technical support, proper tour warm‑ups, and stricter discipline following concerns such as the Noosa break.
- McCullum, viewed more as a man‑manager than a technical coach and contracted through 2027, could step away or be removed if he rejects the board’s demands, according to the reports.