Monty Panesar has urged English cricket to consider a major shake-up, floating Ravi Shastri’s name as a possible candidate should a coaching change follow the Ashes setback Down Under.

Australia’s rapid march to an unassailable advantage has sharpened the spotlight on England’s current setup, with the aggressive approach failing to translate on pace-friendly surfaces and raising broader questions about direction on overseas tours.

While speaking to Ravi Bisht, Panesar underlined the need for England to appoint a coach who understands how to conquer Australia in their own backyard. “You’ve got to ask: who actually has the know-how to take Australia down? Who can identify their soft spots and exploit them mentally, physically and tactically? For me, Ravi Shastri should be England’s next head coach,” Panesar said.

Panesar’s support is largely shaped by Shastri’s outstanding work in Australia, a phase that stands out as a defining chapter in India’s Test journey abroad. During Shastri’s stint,India achieved unprecedented success Down Under, clinching consecutive Test series across two tours. Those triumphs not only altered long-standing views about India’s ability to thrive in challenging overseas conditions but also established a new standard for visiting sides competing in Australia.

England have struggled to find solutions throughout the opening three matches in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. Their top order has been unable to withstand pressure, and the attack has lacked sustained bite, leaving Australia in control at crucial moments.

Those issues have led to a reshaped XI for the Boxing Day Test. Jofra Archer will take no further part in the series, Gus Atkinson has been brought in, and Jacob Bethell replaces Ollie Pope, a clear sign of England searching for spark even as their World Test Championship ambitions have already dimmed.