Brendon McCullum's Future as England Test Coach in Question After Ashes Defeat

Following England's disappointing performance in the Ashes 2025 series against Australia, head coach Brendon McCullum's future is in jeopardy. The team's three consecutive losses have led to discussions about a potential coaching change. While McCullum has expressed his desire to remain in his role, speculation continues regarding who might take over if a change occurs. This article explores five potential candidates, including cricket legends like Alastair Cook and Eoin Morgan, who could bring fresh perspectives and strategies to revive England's Test cricket fortunes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 18:39 IST

Brendon McCullum's Coaching Future Under Review

The future of Brendon McCullum as the head coach of England's cricket team is now in doubt following the team's loss in the Ashes 2025 series against Australia. The defeat in three consecutive Tests across Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide has led to increased scrutiny regarding his 'Bazball' strategy and overall leadership, prompting discussions about a possible coaching change within the England Test setup.

Background on McCullum's Coaching Role

Initially appointed as the coach for the Test team, McCullum was later promoted to oversee all formats after Matthew Mott resigned from his position as the white-ball coach. This change came after England's inability to defend their titles in the ODI and T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024. Despite McCullum's expressed intent to continue in his role and the backing from the ECB's managing director, speculation persists among fans and analysts about whether a leadership change could rejuvenate England's Test performance.

Potential Candidates for England's Test Coach

As uncertainty looms over McCullum's position, here are five potential candidates who could step in as the head coach for England's Test team.

1. Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook is widely regarded as one of the greatest English batsmen in cricket history. Over his 12-year international career, he scored more than 15,000 runs across all formats. In Test cricket alone, he accumulated 12,472 runs in 161 matches, including 33 centuries, making him the highest run-scorer for England until Joe Root surpassed him in October 2024. Cook retired from international cricket in 2018 and from all formats in 2023 after his last first-class match for Essex. His extensive experience and calm leadership could be invaluable for England's red-ball cricket revival.

2. Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan played a crucial role in transforming England's white-ball cricket, leading the team to victory in the 2019 ODI World Cup. With experience in all formats, his innovative approach and tactical insight make him a strong candidate for the head coach position. Although he has limited Test experience, Morgan's leadership skills and understanding of the game, enhanced by his work as a pundit and mentor, could help foster a modern and balanced strategy in Test cricket.

3. Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten, a former South African batting great, is another strong contender for the coaching role. Known for his tactical acumen, Kirsten has a wealth of coaching experience, having led South Africa and India to significant victories, including the 2011 ODI World Cup. His recent roles include coaching franchises and consulting for Namibia ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Kirsten's extensive background in international cricket positions him well to guide England's Test team.

4. Jonathan Trott

Jonathan Trott, a former England top-order batsman, could be a compelling choice for the head coach position. With a solid technique and experience in red-ball cricket, Trott has previously coached England's youth teams and is currently the head coach of Afghanistan, where he has led the team to historic successes, including a T20 World Cup semifinal appearance. Trott's coaching tenure with Afghanistan concludes after the next T20 World Cup, making him available for a potential role with England.

5. Alec Stewart

Alec Stewart, a former England wicketkeeper-batsman, is also a viable candidate for the coaching role. With over a decade of experience in international cricket, Stewart has a deep understanding of English cricket culture. His leadership and insight could be instrumental in rebuilding England's Test setup. After retiring, Stewart took on various coaching roles, including serving as the interim head coach for Surrey and later becoming the Director of Cricket. His extensive experience as both a player and coach makes him a strong contender to succeed McCullum.