Brendon McCullum finally admits failure after England’s Ashes humiliation: "I haven’t got everything right"

England coach Brendon McCullum admitted that his team struggled under pressure following the third consecutive loss against Australia during the Ashes 2025-26 series. McCullum said that England did not get everything right, including his own decisions as coach, and accepted responsibility for the defeats.

England were bowled out for 352 runs while chasing a target of 435 on Day 5 (Sunday, December 21) at the Adelaide Oval. Australia secured the series in just three Tests. With earlier victories in Perth and Brisbane, the home team retained the Ashes series in only 11 days - the fastest series decision in a century.

There Will Be Plenty of Questions Asked - Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum accepted responsibility for the outcome, adding that both the team and his own decisions as coach failed to make an impact. McCullum said the focus now is on reviewing mistakes and improving areas that could give England a better chance in future series.

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“I’m sure there will be plenty of questions asked and rightfully so. We haven’t got everything right and I haven’t got everything right as a coach either,” he said on Test Match Special.

“I put my hand up for that and I accept that and you try and work out ways that you can try ... identify things which you need to make sure that you polish upon to give yourself more of a chance," he added.

"I put my hand up for that."

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There Is No Exact Science But... - Brendon McCullum

McCullum said that England backed their usual preparation methods, which had worked for them on past overseas tours. However, he admitted that the approach may not have been right this time and acknowledged that they could have done things differently to improve their chances.

“I have been very strong in the conviction we have had about our preparation and obviously for us it was a matter of trying to replicate what we have done in previous series which have been successful, away from home, with our preparation," McCullum continued.

“But maybe we didn’t quite get that right and I’ll acknowledge that. There is no exact science but obviously we haven’t won, so therefore you go back to what could could have done or might have done differently.”

Disappointed to Lose the Opportunity to Win the Ashes - Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum said that England’s biggest problem in the series was not handling pressure well. He added that the team often overthought situations instead of playing their natural game. The England coach felt there were positives toward the end of the Test, when the players looked freer and more relaxed.

“We are obviously disappointed to lose the opportunity to win the Ashes, but I thought today and the last couple of days has been much better. (It is) amazing what you can achieve when you just play,” he said.

“Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves and ... and seem to think about things other than playing the game. The last couple of days we have got back to what we do, which is immersing ourselves and just playing.”

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