Former England spinner Monty Panesar has called for a major shake-up in English cricket, backing Ravi Shastri to replace Brendon McCullum as head coach following England’s Ashes humiliation in Australia. With the visitors already out of contention to regain the urn after conceding an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, pressure has mounted on McCullum, with growing calls for his removal.

Panesar backs Shastri, questions Bazball’s Ashes credentials

During an interaction with journalist Ravi Bisht, Panesar suggested that Shastri would be the ideal candidate to take over the role, citing the former India head coach’s proven success against Australia in their own backyard. Shastri famously guided India to back-to-back Test series victories in Australia in 2018–19 and 2020–21 — a feat no other visiting coach has achieved.

“You have to think, who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How do you exploit their weaknesses — mentally, physically and tactically? I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach,” Panesar said.

The much-hyped ‘Bazball’ approach against Australia in Australian conditions lasted barely 11 days, as Pat Cummins’ side, despite injury concerns and form issues among key players, comfortably retained the Ashes urn. Australia denied England a chance to chase a record 435-run target in Adelaide, effectively sealing the series.

England eventually fell 82 runs short. While there were flashes of positive cricket, the defeat once again underlined the scale of England’s challenge in Australia, where they have not won a Test series since their historic 2010–11 triumph.

The loss has raised serious questions over the future of the McCullum–Ben Stokes leadership era, which was built around an ultra-aggressive, result-oriented philosophy designed with the Ashes in mind. In an attempt to salvage pride, England have made two changes to their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, beginning Friday, as they look to restore credibility in the remaining matches.