England has suffered a humiliating 0-3 deficit in the Ashes after just eleven days of play, with two Tests remaining. In such circumstances, criticism has been swift and inevitable. Much of it focuses on England’s current strategy, popularly referred to as “Bazball,” which has come under intense scrutiny from British media outlets. Analysts argue that after this series, a complete overhaul of the team’s approach is imperative. Even former England legends are advocating for changes in coaching.
Recently, in a column for The Telegraph, journalist Geoff Boycott suggested that England seriously consider replacing their head coach. Despite the team’s underwhelming performance, head coach Brendon McCullum remains in charge, though he has acknowledged that the decision on his future is not solely his own. Nevertheless, the series’ outcome has left McCullum’s position somewhat precarious, prompting debate about his potential successor.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar has voiced a strong opinion: England’s next head coach should be Ravi Shastri. Speaking to journalist Ravi Vishther, Panesar explained, “You need a coach who knows how to beat Australia on their own turf—mentally, physically, and strategically. In my view, Ravi Shastri is the ideal candidate.”
Shastri, a former India coach and current commentator, is renowned for his success in Australia. Under his guidance, India won back-to-back Test series Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21, a remarkable achievement given the challenges of playing away from home. These victories set a benchmark for Indian cricket, particularly in hostile overseas conditions.
In contrast, McCullum’s England has struggled badly in Australia this season. They lost the first Test in Perth within two days, the second in Brisbane in four days, and the third in Adelaide despite reaching the final day, with little competitive resistance.
England’s Ashes 2025 Performance in Australia :
| Test | Venue | Result |
| 1st | Perth | Lost in 2 days |
| 2nd | Brisbane | Lost in 4 days |
| 3rd | Adelaide | Lost on 5th day |
Boycott commented after the Adelaide defeat, “Credit must go to Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum for their efforts, but the era of Bazball is over. Pride has clouded common sense, and this cannot continue. If what they are doing doesn’t work, it must stop. Change is essential, and replacing the coach is one viable solution.”
Under McCullum, England has played 44 Tests with Stokes as captain: 25 wins, 17 defeats, and 2 draws. They have never won a five-match series during his tenure. Since 2024, England’s Test losses (13) have exceeded victories (12). While McCullum and Stokes initially led England to early success—winning ten of their first eleven Tests—the team has struggled to maintain that momentum.
The pressing question remains: should England retain the current leadership, or should they appoint an experienced international strategist like Ravi Shastri to guide them to victories in Australia? Cricket analysts argue that, given Shastri’s proven record on Australian soil, he is perhaps the only coach capable of steering England to competitive success Down Under.