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Sport Nation
Will the Adelaide Test decide McCullum's fate?
Nicholas Quinlan • December 8th, 2025 5:46 am
The Telegraph's Cricket Correspondent Will Macpherson believes that should England lose the Third Test, it will likely spell the end of Brendon McCullum's coaching career with the nation.
Having joined the side in 2022 in the aftermath of England's 4-nil loss to Australia in the last Ashes series as their new coach, the Kiwi would bring in the attacking philosophy that he deployed as a batsman to the side to help bring energy to a team that had lost 16 of its last 17 Tests prior to his appointment.
Immediately, results came from the moment he stepped in, with England going on to win 10 of his first 12 games in charge through some incredible chases with his 'BazBall' approach earning rave reviews.
But in recent times, and particularly against India and Australia, the visitors have struggled, as they have only won two of their last seven Test matches (which have been against those two nations).
This sees his overall record in Tests now stands at 25 wins across 43 matches in charge, with there being increasing doubt around his ability to beat these nations.
Before the start of Day 4 on Sunday, when England would eventually go on to lose by eight wickets in the Second Test, Macpherson felt that the wheels of this England squad were falling off far faster than he expected on this tour, as they are once again on track for another series loss down under.
"England are clearly in a very, very bleak spot," Macpherson said on SEN Cricket.
"I think the wheels are coming off this tour slightly quicker than I thought they would.
"Because of the two-day Test in Perth, we sort of each tour go, 'Ohh, they've lost The Ashes in 11 days, they've lost The Ashes in 10 (days)'.
"I mean, we are right on for a nine-dayer.
"But they are in big trouble."
And that trouble could help lead to his departure if England is unable to break their 17-match losing streak in Australia for the Third Test in Adelaide.
"Working on the assumption they lose today (the Second Test), I think Brendon McCullum has got one game to prove that he's the right man to take England forward and remain coach after this tour," he continued.
"It's been great fun watching England and covering England the last few years.
"He's done loads of good things, and I think in some respects, he will be remembered positively, whatever happens on this tour.
"But in the biggest moments and in the biggest series, he talks about the brightest lights and the biggest pressure.
"Actually, his England team has wilted.
"They've drawn 2-2 at home to Australia and India. And they got pretty well beat in India after winning the First Test on the way to a fair drubbing here.
"It's been fun, but to go to the next level and actually win some proper series. I think, maybe we'll be looking at someone else to do that job."
Tune into Sport Nation for live ball-by-ball commentary of The Ashes series - the third Test begins December 17 on Sport Nation Extra via the Sport Nation app - thanks to SEN.
