33 h. ago Rob Key likely to survive but T20 World Cup crucial to Brendon McCullum’s fate

Key told ECB review of willingness to change after AshesMcCullum has had poor record in white-ball cricketRob Key’s position as England’s managing director of men’s cricket is looking increasingly secure after the initial stages of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s review of the Ashes defeat, but the future of Brendon McCullum as coach remains uncertain and will be heavily influenced by his side’s performances at next month’s T20 World Cup.Key is understood to have spoken to the ECB chief executive, Richard Gould, and chair, Richard Thompson, and taken responsibility for England’s poor preparation for the Ashes and some bungled selections while on tour. He is believed to have indicated a willingness to do things differently if allowed to stay on, a crucial concession that could end up saving him. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Brendon McCullum holds talks on England future and ‘keen to carry on’

The head coach’s position is under scrutiny as the ECB reviews a dismal Ashes defeat.

Politics

1 week ago England's boozing, brawling Ashes shambles was a humiliation of the ECB's own making

England's tour Down Under has proved brainless from the beginning and the tourists return from the Ashes humiliated after a 4-1 defeat to Australia

Politics

1 week ago Kevin Pietersen calls for six England changes after miserable Ashes defeat

England slumped to a heavy 4-1 Ashes series defeat with the ECB set to ‘review’ a difficult tour

Politics

1 week ago ECB launches investigation after ‘deeply disappointing’ Ashes defeat

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould said a ‘thorough review’ was already underway

Events

1 week ago Brendon McCullum insists he ‘won’t be told what to do’ after England’s heavy Ashes defeat

A five-wicket defeat in Sydney closed the book on a dreadful tour for England and head coach McCullum

Politics

1 week ago England’s Ashes player ratings: Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue shine amid heavy defeat by Australia

England toiled to another Ashes humiliation at the hands of Australia

Sport

1 week ago England cricket chief promises 'changes' as review into 'deeply disappointing' Ashes defeat begins

The most hotly anticipated series in a generation ended in a humbling defeat

Politics

1 week ago England cricket boss promises ‘necessary changes’ after Ashes defeat

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould said a ‘thorough review’ was already underway.

Politics

2 w. ago England must now move on from failed ‘Bazball’ project, says Michael Vaughan

England ill-fated Ashes campaign is drawing to an end with a 4-1 Ashes defeat looming

Events

2 w. ago Sydney’s tradition of goodbyes coincides with Bazball reckoning

England have a final chance to salvage something from tour but must accept Ashes defeat was self-inflicted and changes, however limited, must be madeAs well as being a bucket list venue for players and supporters, the Sydney Cricket Ground has a reputation in England as the ground of the one-cap wonders. This is based on Mason Crane, Scott Borthwick and Boyd Rankin getting a go at the end of recent Ashes tours, rather than anything more historically substantial.If anything, as the traditional scene for the final Test of the Australian summer, the SCG is more like the Oval – the ground where careers often come to an end. And on Friday, surrounded by his family and with a fair bit to get off his chest, Usman Khawaja confirmed the final instalment of this Ashes series, starting on Sunday, will be his international farewell. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Ben Stokes wants McCullum to stay as England coach despite Ashes loss

Captain says they are ‘right people to carry on doing this ’Stokes believes the pair can push team to greater heightsBen Stokes has said he has no doubt he wants Brendon McCullum alongside him as the England head coach, but accepted the Ashes defeat means the pair must sit down before the summer and work out how they can upgrade the team.Senior figures at the England and Wales Cricket Board are wary of making sweeping changes and with Stokes seemingly safe, McCullum’s fate as head coach probably rests on his endorsement. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Joe Root rejects ‘silly’ talk over England management after highlighting positive trend

Head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key both face questions after an Ashes defeat, but a consolation win in Melbourne has raised spirits

Politics

3 w. ago England hold nerve to break Ashes drought in Australia with Boxing Day Test victory

Fourth Test, day 2: Australia 152 & 132, lose to England, 110 & 178-6Tourists charge to four-wicket win inside two days at MCGStop press. Hold the back page. Drag out the dusty bunting and book three more nights in Noosa. England have won a Test in Australia for the first time in nearly 15 years, chasing down 175 runs in Melbourne to win by four wickets and ensure this Ashes series defeat will not end as an Ashes whitewash.Granted it was not a live victory, England simply dragging the scoreline back to 3-1 and doing so courtesy of a two-day heist on a pitch that made batting a lottery. But given the ordeal of this tour, and that grim run of 18 Tests without a victory on Australian soil, it was not insignificant either. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago England survive MCG mayhem to break Ashes drought in Australia with fourth Test victory

Fourth Test, day 2: Australia 152 & 132, lose to England, 110 & 178-6Tourists charge to four-wicket win inside two days at MCGStop press. Hold the back page. Drag out the dusty bunting and book three more nights in Noosa. England’s men have won a Test in Australia for the first time in nearly 15 years, chasing down 175 runs in Melbourne to win by four wickets and prevent an Ashes defeat from becoming a whitewash.Granted it was not a live victory, England merely dragging the scoreline back to 3-1 and doing so courtesy of a two-day heist on a pitch that made batting a lottery. But given the ordeal of this tour, and that grim run of 18 Tests without a win on Australian soil, it was not insignificant either. Though robbed of three days’ play, their supporters could finally crack a smile. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago England survive MCG mayhem to break Ashes drought in Australia with win in fourth Test

4th Test, D2: England, 110 & 178-6, bt Australia, 152 & 132, by 4 wktsCrawley, Duckett and Bethell help set up win inside two daysStop press. Hold the back page. Drag out the dusty bunting and book three more nights in Noosa. England’s men have won a Test in Australia for the first time in nearly 15 years, chasing down 175 to win by four wickets and prevent an Ashes defeat from becoming a whitewash.Granted it was not a live victory, England merely dragging the scoreline back to 3-1 and doing so courtesy of a two-day heist on a pitch that made batting a lottery. But given the ordeal of this tour, and that grim run of 18 Tests without a win on Australian soil, it was not insignificant either. Though robbed of three days’ play, their supporters could finally crack a smile. Continue reading...

Events

4 w. ago Rob Key admits England ‘mucked up on the big occasions’ after Ashes defeat

England’s managing director of men’s cricket hopes they are given time to ‘evolve’.

Politics