Brendon McCullum is set to remain as England head coach, and the update is expected to be officially shared on Monday. According to Telegraph Sport, McCullum held talks with Test skipper Ben Stokes, fixing their relationship after the pair grew apart in Australia.
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes had differences during the Ashes series. (Action Images via Reuters)
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According to the report, both were critical of each other during the ECB review. Meanwhile, Stokes also went public with his criticism of McCullum during the Ashes tour. "I think that we are now playing against teams who have answers to the style of cricket that we have been playing over quite a long period of time now," he said.
On the other hand, McCullum accused Stokes of failing to stick to their attacking approach, which confused players. Final talks between McCullum and Stokes were held this week, as the ECB also completed its review.
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The former New Zealand player also accepted changes from the ECB bosses. Performance director Ed Barney will take on a more significant role and oversee the selection of new coaching staff. He will also focus on strength and conditioning, as reportedly some players were not fit during the Ashes.
When does Brendon McCullum's contract end?
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The former New Zealand player also accepted changes from the ECB bosses. Performance director Ed Barney will take on a more significant role and oversee the selection of new coaching staff. He will also focus on strength and conditioning, as reportedly some players were not fit during the Ashes.
When does Brendon McCullum's contract end?
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McCullum's contract runs until the end of the ODI World Cup in October 2027. According to the report, the ECB's decision wasn't influenced by the alternative of paying him off. McCullum would have received a huge pay-off, and it would also have destroyed the coaching staff setup.
Stokes also needs to find his form. He will turn 36 by the time the next Ashes begins in England in 2027. He has failed to finish his last two five-Test series without sustaining an injury. He also didn't bowl in the closing stages of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney due to a groin issue.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/Brendon McCullum resolves rift wih Ben Stokes, set to stay as England head coach after crunch talks over Ashes tensions
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