Overview
- Former England spinner Monty Panesar told journalist Ravi Bisht that Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach, citing Shastri’s two Test series wins in Australia in 2018–19 and 2020–21.
- Australia retained the Ashes with a 3–0 lead secured inside 11 days across Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, intensifying scrutiny of England’s ‘Bazball’ approach.
- In separate comments to 3AW, Panesar also mentioned former Sheffield Shield coach Darren Berry as an alternative if a change is made.
- England announced Boxing Day XI changes, with Jofra Archer ruled out for the series and replaced by Gus Atkinson, and Jacob Bethell coming in for Ollie Pope.
- Brendon McCullum acknowledged uncertainty over his position, saying the decision is not his to make; he remains under contract with the ECB through the 2027 ODI World Cup.