London, March 21: Despite England head coach Brendon McCullum retaining his role, he now faces scrutiny due to damning allegations about the team’s culture during the Ashes, raising questions over discipline, leadership and professionalism in the set-up.
England’s 4-1 defeat in the Ashes in Australia was described as a systemic failure, with poor preparation and the collapse of the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach leaving the side exposed. Before that, white-ball captain Harry Brook being punched by a bouncer in Wellington before an ODI game against New Zealand attracted huge scrutiny and the ill-timed mid-Ashes break in Noosa, where players being visibly intoxicated in public, drew further questions on England’s culture.“There were players in the Ashes who felt McCullum was naturally drawn to those like him who enjoy a beer, a vape and a round of golf. Unintentionally it created a clique that became more apparent under the stress of an Ashes loss,” said a report in The Telegraph on Saturday. (IANS)
