Brendon McCullum 'very lucky to carry on as England's head coach': Former pacer questions ECB
Darren Gough said Brendon McCullum was “very lucky” to remain England coach after the team’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Gough believes England’s aggressive style needs more discipline and toughness. He also admitted feeling hurt after missing out on the national selector’s role, saying he could have challenged the current management with his experience.
NEW DELHI: Former England pacer Darren Gough has questioned why Brendon McCullum continues as England head coach after the team’s disappointing Ashes defeat in Australia. England lost the 2025/26 Ashes series 4-1, but both McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have kept their positions ahead of the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Cricket show, Gough said McCullum was fortunate to remain in charge after such a poor result.
“I think Baz McCullum is realistically very lucky to carry on as England's head coach,” Gough said. He added, “If you're not winning games your job is going to come under scrutiny. ” While Gough said he enjoys England’s attacking style under McCullum, he believes the team now needs more discipline and toughness.
“I like the way they play but it needs toning down a bit. We need a bit of steel,” he explained. Gough also opened up about missing out on the role of England’s national selector.
The England and Wales Cricket Board instead appointed former Australia batter Marcus North, a decision that clearly upset the former fast bowler. “I was disheartened. I'll be honest, it did hurt me,” Gough admitted.