Former England fast bowler Darren Gough has questioned why Brendon McCullum has retained the role of head coach after England’s heavy Ashes setback in Australia, with the team going down 4-1 in the 2025/26 series. Despite the defeat, both McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have reportedly kept their posts as England prepare for an upcoming home assignment against New Zealand.
Key takeaways
- England lost the 2025/26 Ashes series in Australia 4-1.
- Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have remained in their roles ahead of a home series versus New Zealand.
- Darren Gough said McCullum’s continuation as head coach is “very lucky” given the result.
- Gough argued England’s approach needs more discipline and a tougher edge.
- He also expressed disappointment after missing out on a national selector position, which went to Marcus North.
Gough questions McCullum’s position after Ashes loss
Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Cricket show, Gough said McCullum’s job security after such a disappointing Ashes campaign looks hard to justify. In his view, the outcome should have brought greater pressure on the coaching set-up.
Gough added that if a team is not delivering wins, the head coach’s position inevitably comes under scrutiny. While he said he still appreciates the attacking brand England have played under McCullum, he believes the side must dial in greater control and mental hardness.
He suggested that England’s style needs to be “toned down” and that the team now requires more “steel” to handle high-pressure phases consistently—an area he felt could improve.
Disappointment over selector role and belief he could add value
Gough also addressed missing out on a role in England’s national selection structure. The England and Wales Cricket Board appointed former Australia batter Marcus North instead, a decision that clearly affected the former fast bowler.
“I was disheartened. I’ll be honest, it did hurt me,” Gough admitted, explaining that he believed his experience could have strengthened the environment and pushed the current leadership in the right direction when necessary.
He said he could have challenged the group in “the right areas,” adding that his perspective has changed since earlier days. Gough claimed he has matured, noting that he is no longer the same “hothead” from a decade earlier and that he has learned to manage people through previous roles.
Finally, Gough felt his long involvement in English cricket gave him a realistic chance of getting the job. He said that, in his view, if the board chose someone with an England playing background and experience across multiple facets of the game, he may have been considered.
He concluded by reflecting on the possibility that his overall cricketing journey—across roles—might have made him a strong fit for the selector position that went to Marcus North.
