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England have hit their ceiling under Brendon McCullum and Rob Key – and it’s time for change
Brendon McCullum transformed England Test cricket, but the Bazball project has stalled. Here’s why the McCullum–Key era may have reached its ceiling.
By Charbel Coorey
When Brendon McCullum arrived in 2022, he was exactly the man England needed. A tame 1-0 defeat against West Indies was the catalyst for change after a horror run of one win across 17 Tests, with the cricket bereft of any joy or confidence.
McCullum removed fear of failure, backing his team to take the game on.
“Obviously England struggled over the last couple of years, and the style of play has been questioned as well, and it gives me the opportunity to try and bring in that real freshness,” McCullum said at the start of his tenure.
“Trying to bring a team which is rock-bottom at the moment out of that situation and try and build something long term, sustainable and successful, that was where the challenge lay.”
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The failure of the Bazball revolution
Combined with Rob Key’s willingness to start afresh, England’s cultural reset reaped immediate reward.
11 wins in the first 13 Tests – including a 3-0 clean sweep of Pakistan on the flattest of flat pitches – gave birth to the Bazball revolution.
However, revolutions don’t last forever.
Opponents have found England out, losing 18 and winning 17 Tests since the 2023 Wellington classic, including no series wins home or away against India and Australia.
“Vibes” alone can no longer sustain a side that clearly requires stronger coaching and firmer guidance.
Those same messages that felt so refreshing four years ago have grown tiresome and evasive.
To be a consistent force, the team needs technical refinement in all three facets of the game.
It is no coincidence they continue to drop a host of chances, are unable to withstand difficult periods with the bat, and deliver consistently over longer periods of time with the ball.
PICTURES: Robbie Stephenson/PA
The Ashes obsession that changed everything
That Key and McCullum are still in their roles is remarkable given their entire plan was built around the Ashes.
It is why they persisted with Zak Crawley for so long despite holding a Test average of a little over 31.
Shoaib Bashir, plucked from a few social media reels, didn’t play a single Test down under after we were told he’s being groomed for Australian pitches.
The icing on the cake? James Anderson was told to step aside only for Brydon Carse to deliver some of the friendliest new-ball bowling you’ll ever see to an ever-thankful Travis Head.
McCullum’s interview after England’s horror show at the Gabba should have been the beginning of the end.
To suggest England were “overprepared” remains laughable to this day, with a hit around at Lilac Hill deemed adequate.
Remember, the same leadership dismissed former players as “has‑beens” and claimed they alone knew the blueprint for winning down under
Two weeks earlier in Perth, McCullum said England were “married” to their style of play even after somehow losing a match inside two days.
In Brisbane, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks abandoned Bazball, putting on a fighting display that was all too late.
In that same Test, England dropped a host of chances and bowled terribly.
A culture without accountability
The Noosa trip was planned a year in advance, but Dale Steyn was contacted for the bowling coach role six weeks before a series where the management also chose not to hire a fielding coach.
Off the field, England aren’t much better.
Drunken incidents down under led to an apparent curfew back home, broken at the first opportunity by Gus Atkinson and captain Ben Stokes.
However, an investigation by the Cricket Regulator found the curfew wasn’t properly communicated to the group.
It is the kind of poor communication that several players have spoken out against.
Liam Livingstone’s scathing assessment in March was telling, claiming he was told he “cares too much” when seeking advice.
“The communication hasn’t been great for me either”, according to Reece Topley, while Jonny Bairstow lamented the lack of accountability within the group.
England need a coaching setup that blends positivity with precision.
Freedom with structure. A regime that can challenge players as well as support them. One that can build plans, not just positive messaging.
Jacob Bethell is an example. His Sydney masterclass earlier this year provided a glimpse into his undeniable talent.
However, if and when he hits a bit a rough patch, positive messaging remains crucial, but how will the current regime ensure he is best placed to handle right-arm pace bowlers from around the wicket?
The ceiling of the McCullum–Key era
McCullum and Key were the right leaders at the right time, but that time has passed.
Those in favour of Bazball put may point to the 2027 Ashes as a key reason with England favourites against an aging Australian team.
But how confident can England fans be that this regime will help regain the coveted urn?
England are a mistake-riddled team, and we can expect more of the same in 2027. It ultimately depends on how clinical Australia are and whether they can outlast the hosts.
This isn’t an argument that McCullum and Key did not make any positive contributions.
They transformed the mood, made England watchable and helped lead the team to victories.
However, what works at the beginning of a journey doesn’t always translate to success down the track.
England have hit a ceiling. Unless the leadership is replaced by one that combines enjoyment with accountability, the team risks drifting further into a cycle of avoidable underachievement.
Charbel Coorey is an Australian fan, writer and founder of cricket website CricBlog.
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