Star England cricketer BACKS Ravi Shastri as Brandon McCullum’s future questioned after…
New Delhi: Star England spinner Monty Panesar has urged a bold revamp in English cricket, endorsing Ravi Shastri as a possible replacement for Brendon McCullum following England’s heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.
Australia secured a dominant 3-0 lead in just 11 days, putting McCullum’s tenure and the celebrated ‘Bazball’ approach under intense scrutiny. England’s consistent struggles with both bat and ball in the fast, bouncy Australian conditions have reignited discussions about whether a leadership change is needed to stop their slide in overseas cricket.
Panesar backs Ravi Shastri to replace Brendon McCullum
In an interview with journalist Ravi Bisht, Panesar said that England need a coach who has a proven strategy for winning in Australia.
“You have to think, who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How will you take advantage of Australia’s weakness, mentally, physically, and tactically,” Panesar said. “I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach.”
Panesar’s remark is largely based on Shastri’s track record in Australia, where he guided India through one of the most one successful phases in their Test history. During Shastri’s tenure, India secured consecutive Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, accomplishments that transformed how Indian cricket is viewed abroad and established new standards for touring sides.
England to make changes ahead of the Boxing Day Test
In contrast, throughout the three Test matches in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, England has seemed to lack strategy. Meanwhile, Australia has been able to control the crucial moments in each game because their bowling unit has struggled to sustain intensity over extended periods of time and their batting has frequently collapsed under pressure.
The ongoing setback has prompted England to make changes ahead of the fourth Test starting on Boxing Day. Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the rest of the series, with Gus Atkinson brought in as his replacement, while all-rounder Jacob Bethell replaces Ollie Pope in the playing XI. The reshuffle highlights England’s attempt to regain momentum, even though their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final have already diminished.
Shastri’s record further supports Panesar’s remark
Shastri’s record further supports Panesar’s remark. Since assuming charge of India in 2017, he has led the team to 25 wins from 43 Tests, 51 victories in 76 ODIs, and 42 wins in 65 T20Is. Although he never secured an ICC trophy, his tenure is widely appreciated for turning India into a strong overseas side, especially in demanding conditions such as those in Australia and England.