Ben Stokes makes feelings clear on England head coach Brendon McCullum following Ashes humiliation

The all-rounder said: "There is no doubt in my mind that me and Brendon are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future."

When asked whether he and the New Zealander operate as an inseparable unit, Stokes was emphatic: "I can't see there being someone else who could take this team from where we are now to even bigger heights."

The pair joined forces in 2022, with this Australian tour widely regarded as a pivotal test of their leadership credentials.

England surrendered the series after suffering defeats in the first three matches, though they salvaged some pride with victory in Melbourne - their first triumph on Australian soil in nearly 15 years.

Both men hold contracts running until 2027 and have made clear their desire to remain in post following this campaign.

While Stokes is widely considered England's strongest captaincy option and will likely be given the chance to lead through the home summer, the futures of McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key may attract greater examination.

Any decision regarding McCullum's position is expected to wait until after the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.

Stokes pushed back against suggestions that sweeping changes are needed, pointing to England's historical pattern of post-Ashes upheaval yielding little improvement.

He said: "We have not won here since 2010-11 and since that series things have happened because we think people need to change things, but it has not really worked has it?"

The captain noted that he and McCullum were themselves appointed following a 4-0 defeat four years ago, warning that repeating such drastic action would simply lead to the same outcome.

Stokes also dismissed concerns that McCullum's expanded responsibilities overseeing England's white-ball teams since early 2025 have diluted his focus on Test cricket.

Stokes said: "He has got two jobs to do now. It has not influenced the relationship we have with this Test team whatsoever."

England have announced a 12-man squad for the Sydney finale, with Durham seamer Matthew Potts drafted in following Gus Atkinson's withdrawal due to a hamstring injury.

Spinner Shoaib Bashir has also been included, having not featured since fracturing a finger during the third Test against India at Lord's in July.

He was subsequently passed over for selection throughout the first four Ashes matches.

Potts last represented England more than a year ago, against New Zealand in Hamilton in December 2024.

Stokes said of the seamer: "He's been in and about. He obviously had a great start to his Test career with the ball and he finds himself in a slightly different position now within the team and in the squad.

"There's an opportunity there for someone to come in this week after the disappointing news with what happened to Gus last week."

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