Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stirred debate by suggesting a major change in England’s coaching setup following the Ashes 2025-26 series. Pietersen floated the idea of bringing back former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower and moving on from current head coach Brendon McCullum.
McCullum is under heavy pressure after England’s poor Ashes tour in Australia. The team went into the series with high hopes, but the performances fell well short. The disappointing result has also hurt England’s standing in Test cricket, pushing them down to seventh place in the ongoing ICC WTC 2025-27 cycle.
Can England Bring Back Andy Flower? – Kevin Pietersen Asks ECB to Sack Brendon McCullum
Kevin Pietersen said that England should consider bringing back Andy Flower as head coach. Pietersen said that Flower has evolved over time and understands modern players better. Kevin Pietersen added that appointing Flower would be a risky move but worth discussing.
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“This is a WILD thought. I reckon one of my wildest. Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he’s changed and in line with the modern day player? He gets Test Cricket,” Kevin Pietersen wrote.
“I’ve been told by many players that he’s changed his ways since our drama. He’s winning leagues so really does get the modern day player. VERY IMPORTANT! Wild, I know! Thoughts?” Kevin Pietersen added.
This is a WILD thought. I reckon one of my wildest.
Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he’s changed and in line with the modern day player?
He gets Test Cricket.
I’ve been told by many players that he’s changed his ways since our drama.
He’s winning leagues so…— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 9, 2026
England Struggle for Consistency Under Brendon McCullum
England’s results have failed to meet expectations. After a bright start to his time as head coach, the team has struggled to win major series and has not made a strong impact in Test cricket. England have not been serious contenders in the WTC and have failed to beat top sides like India and Australia.
A major issue has been England’s performances away from home. The team has often used the same aggressive style in all conditions, even when it has not worked. This approach has led to poor results on overseas tours, especially in challenging conditions.
Even in England, the team has not fully taken advantage of home pitches. While McCullum’s overall record since 2022 is not poor, his recent form has been worrying. The England and Wales Cricket Board may have to rethink its plans if England want to stay competitive in the current Test cycle.
Australia Overcome Absentees as England’s Ashes Hopes Fade
Australia were without Josh Hazlewood for the entire series, while Pat Cummins was available only for the Adelaide Test. The hosts also dealt with form issues involving Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne and handed Jake Weatherald his Test debut, yet England still failed to take control.
The series began disastrously for England in the first Test at Perth, where they were bowled out twice inside two days, lasting just 66.9 overs. Australia then chased down 205 with ease, with Travis Head’s century giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
England showed more fight in Brisbane and Adelaide, but Australia continued to win the key phases. The visitors finally ended their 18-Test winless streak in Australia with a Boxing Day Test victory inside two days.
That win briefly raised hopes of a 2-3 finish in the five-match series. However, the momentum did not last, as Australia sealed the final Test in Sydney with a five-wicket win to close out the series 4-1. England left the Ashes tour with more regrets than rewards and plenty of familiar “what if” moments.
Also read: Stuart Broad arrogantly guarantees Ashes 2027 win after humiliation in Australia
