Brendon McCullum dares ECB to sack him amid Ashes humiliation

Brendon McCullum's contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board extends up to the end of 2027; however, England's humiliating run in the Ashes and supposedly a whitewash could surely affect his future as the head coach of the English side. However, McCullum has shown an indifferent attitude toward being sacked from the role.

England have not had the finest of campaigns in their latest Ashes tour to Australia. England legends had predicted that this would be the weakest Australian team in the history of the Ashes, and England could make them grovel. However, the narrative has been very different.

The different narratives that went viral and the immense criticisms that England have faced are not because they are 2-0 down in the series; England has never had a great winning record in Australia anyway. The real factor behind these is the humiliating defeats faced by England and the one-sided domination of the Aussies.

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The Ashes is one of the most competitive tournaments in the world, which glorifies the rivalry between the two strongest Test-playing nations; hence, it is evident that no one wants to witness either of the teams going down without a proper fightback.

Brendon McCullum shows a headstrong attitude despite a shaky future as England coach

The England coach completely transformed the fate of Test cricket in England. Ever since Brendon McCullum came in as the red-ball coach for England, one of the most orthodox Test sides transformed into a team packed with firepower.

After some insane success with the Bazball, the ECB extended their contract last year up to the end of 2027. However, with their recent dip in form in the Ashes and with Brendon McCullum's strategies completely backfiring, his techniques and his future in the England side might be under some serious scrutiny.

However, the England coach seems determined to maintain his indifferent attitude and continue with the brand of cricket England has been playing under his leadership. "It doesn't really bother me, to be honest," he said. "I certainly don't coach to protect the job; I coach to get the best out of people, and that's the same with the skipper [Stokes].

"We'll remain committed to what we're doing in the same way that we do, and we'll keep trying to build the confidence levels within the group to give ourselves the best chance. I firmly believe that if we play our best cricket, we have a massive chance in this Test match. If we do that, then the narrative changes and the series momentum changes," McCullum added, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Brendon McCullum claims 'Noosa Vacation' will pay off for Bazball in Adelaide

Brendon McCullum, who had gathered widespread criticism for his 'over-prepared' claim after the second Test, faced further criticism for the team's vacation at Noosa, even after going down 2-0 in the series. He, however, argued that the trip was needed for freshening up the players amid a hectic tour.

He also claimed that the Noosa vacation gave the England players a chance to settle down with the lessons they had learned and to spend some time away from the excessive pressure of the Ashes. This vacation would also add to the bonding between the players.

"I think now the freshness that we're coming into this Test with will hopefully pay off. There's no guarantee, but that's the plan," claimed Brendon McCullum, saying that the English players are excited to be back in the nets and gear up for some engaging battle at the Adelaide Oval.

"We know we haven't been at our best. You have to admit that" - McCullum

After the 2-0 losses, Brendon McCullum has been found making excuses, the worst of them being that England was 'overprepared' for the Second Test at the Gabba. The statement infuriated many England greats, and Legend Ian Botham even urged fans to demand a refund for the match tickets.

However, going into the Third Test at Adelaide, the English head coach has finally admitted his team's flaws and claimed, " We know we haven't been at our best. You have to admit that. You can't walk away and start pointing fingers elsewhere. [You have to ask] how do you remain tight as a group, and what do you need to do to be successful in the conditions and situation you are coming up against, then get out there and have another go."

ALSO READ: Brendon McCullum defends ‘Over-Prepared’ remark, addresses England’s clash with Australian media