LONDON: England Test cricket captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have resolved differences that emerged after the team’s 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia, British media reported.
The Telegraph said Stokes and McCullum raised concerns about each other’s methods during a review meeting held by the England and Wales Cricket Board following the series loss, in which England’s only win came in the fourth test.
The report added that McCullum will remain in his role until the end of his contract, which runs through the 2027 one-day international World Cup.
Stokes had questioned England’s aggressive approach during the Ashes, saying opposing teams had found ways to counter the style of play that had defined the side under McCullum.
“I think we are now playing against teams who have answers to the style of cricket we have been playing for quite a long period of time,” Stokes said during the tour.
According to the report, McCullum in turn had concerns over some of Stokes’ captaincy decisions and felt the skipper had not fully committed to England’s attacking philosophy.
Despite the disagreements, the pair have agreed to move forward in the interests of the team, the report said.
The ECB has also given performance director Ed Barney a greater role in appointing coaching staff and overseeing strength and conditioning after concerns over player fitness during the Ashes, according to the report.
The developments follow criticism from all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who said he had received little respect or communication from the current England management after being dropped from the national side.
