Overview
- An internal review led by ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chairman Richard Thompson followed the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
- Managing director Rob Key appears set to stay in post and Ben Stokes’ captaincy is viewed as secure, with the board favoring adjustments over wholesale change.
- Head coach Brendon McCullum’s position remains uncertain, with assessments expected after the T20 World Cup starting February 7, and he has signaled reluctance to accept imposed changes.
- Immediate steps include a curfew, a specialist fielding coach added for the Sri Lanka leg, bowling consultant David Saker’s return, and the absence of mindset coach Gilbert Enoka, while Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed secured late visas for India.
- Scrutiny of culture and discipline has intensified following reports of heavy drinking and Harry Brook’s nightclub altercation, as debate over the ‘Bazball’ approach continues with voices such as Chris Woakes urging refinement rather than a reset.