Geoffrey Boycott Calls for Brendon McCullum’s Sacking After Ashes Loss

Geoffrey Boycott opined that England should sack Brendon McCullum and warned Ben Stokes to change his attitude after the team fell 3-0 behind in the Ashes.

England’s Ashes campaign hit new lows after the team slipped to 3-0 in the 2025-26 series on December 21. Former captain Geoffrey Boycott urged changes, calling for head coach Brendon McCullum to be removed. He also warned Ben Stokes to reassess his leadership and batting approach.

Boycott then criticised England’s ultra-aggressive style, saying it failed repeatedly against top opponents. He felt the current strategy showed stubbornness rather than progress. He urged the director of cricket, Rob Key, to step in and demand change.

“Hubris has taken over from common sense, and that cannot be allowed to carry on. Stokes and McCullum are like men digging a hole to nowhere. If what you are doing isn’t working, then stop digging. Change is absolutely necessary to step up to the next level. What would I do? Change the coach. We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams, so (Director of cricket) Rob Key, it is time for you to assert yourself,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

“You do not want to lose him, but if he doesn’t see that a change of attitude is needed, then you have to find a new captain. That would be a sad day and a huge call, but Ben and his teammates have always stressed the importance of the team above the individual so you cannot compromise even for the captain,” he added.

Boycott Questions Brook’s Readiness for Captaincy

Geoffrey Boycott also turned his focus to leadership options following England’s Ashes struggles. He felt Harry Brook was not ready for the captaincy due to his current batting approach. He suggested a coaching change could help reset England’s direction.

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“I wouldn’t want Harry Brook as the new captain. How could he ask batsmen to act more responsibly when he attempts some of the most irresponsible strokes you can imagine? When the penny drops for Harry and we see a more rounded batsman, then maybe you could have a rethink… Many people would cherish the England coach’s job because it is very high profile and exceptionally well paid. Jason Gillespie did a great job at Yorkshire, or they could go for an English coach like Alec Stewart,” Boycott concluded.

England now turns their attention to the next Ashes Test, which begins on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.