Ben Stokes Defends Brendon McCullum Despite Ashes 2025–26 Loss: ‘We’re the Right People’

'Brendon McCullum and I are the right people to carry on': Ben Stokes

The Ashes urn may be heading back to Australia, but England’s captain isn’t backing down. In a powerful and defiant statement ahead of the final Test in Sydney, Ben Stokes has doubled down on his partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum, insisting they are “the right people to carry on” despite England’s 3-1 series loss in the 2025–26 Ashes .

It’s a bold stance in the face of mounting scrutiny. The so-called “Bazball” revolution—launched with thrilling success in 2022—has visibly lost its momentum, with England struggling for the tactical discipline and batting resilience that once defined their fearless brand of cricket. Yet, in the aftermath of a demoralizing campaign Down Under, Stokes is refusing to throw his longtime ally under the bus .

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Ben Stokes Stands Firm

Ben Stokes’ leadership has always been defined by heart, grit, and an unwavering loyalty to his team. His latest comments to the press in Sydney are no different. “Brendon McCullum and I are the right people to carry on,” he stated plainly, cutting through the noise of post-series analysis .

While acknowledging that both he and McCullum must “address the team’s flaws,” Stokes stopped short of calling for a change in direction. Instead, he framed the Ashes loss as a painful but necessary learning experience—a reality check for a side that had perhaps grown too comfortable in its aggressive identity.

The Rise and Stumble of Bazball

When McCullum and Stokes first took the reins in 2022, English cricket was in a state of disarray. Their answer was “Bazball”: a high-octane, fearless approach to Test cricket that prioritized run-scoring, positive intent, and mental freedom over traditional caution . The results were spectacular. England went on a winning streak, captivating fans worldwide and revitalizing interest in the longest format of the game.

However, the strategy’s Achilles’ heel was always its dependence on pitch conditions and opposition quality. On the lightning-fast, bouncy wickets of Australia, where a single mistimed shot can be fatal, the all-out aggression that worked at home became a liability. The team’s middle order, in particular, looked fragile and underprepared for the relentless pressure applied by the Australian pace attack.

What Went Wrong in the Ashes 2025–26?

The series loss wasn’t due to a single factor, but a combination of critical issues that exposed the limitations of the current England setup:

  • Batting Fragility: Outside of a few standout performances from Zak Crawley and Joe Root, the top and middle order consistently collapsed under pressure, failing to build substantial partnerships.
  • Over-Reliance on Stokes: As both captain and all-rounder, Stokes was expected to be the savior with bat and ball. This immense burden is unsustainable over a grueling five-Test series.
  • Pitch Misreading: England’s game plan seemed ill-suited to the Australian conditions. Their aggressive shot selection on seaming tracks proved costly, a stark contrast to Australia’s disciplined approach .

Why Stokes Believes in the Future

Despite these clear failures, Stokes’ confidence in the McCullum partnership is rooted in their shared vision for the future of English cricket. He believes the core philosophy—playing an entertaining, positive brand of cricket—is still correct. The challenge now is to adapt it intelligently to different environments.

“It’s about evolving, not abandoning,” a source close to the camp was quoted as saying . This suggests the leadership is already working on a more nuanced version of their strategy—one that blends the fearless spirit of Bazball with the tactical nous required to win in hostile overseas conditions. For this to work, they’ll need buy-in from the entire squad and, crucially, the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The Road Ahead for England Cricket

The final Test in Sydney is more than just a dead rubber; it’s a statement of intent. A victory there would not only salvage some pride but also provide a crucial platform for the team’s next challenge: a tough away series against South Africa.

For Ben Stokes, his legacy is now intertwined with McCullum’s. Their project was never meant to be a short-term fix but a long-term cultural shift. The Ashes loss is a significant setback, but as Stokes himself proved at Headingley in 2019, no situation is ever truly lost until the last ball is bowled .

Conclusion

Ben Stokes’ unwavering support for Brendon McCullum is a testament to his leadership character and his belief in their shared project. While the Ashes 2025–26 series has laid bare serious flaws in England’s approach, it has not shaken the captain’s conviction. The real test now is whether they can learn, adapt, and evolve their “Bazball” philosophy to conquer not just friendly home conditions, but the world’s toughest cricketing arenas. The Sydney Test is their first opportunity to prove they’re up to the task.

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