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Former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen has sparked debate by suggesting a major change to England’s coaching set-up after the 2025-26 Ashes series. Pietersen floated the idea of bringing back former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower and leaving current head coach Brendon McCullum.
McCullum is under heavy pressure after England’s poor Ashes tour of Australia. The team went into the series with high hopes, but the performance fell well short. The disappointing result also hurt England’s position in Test cricket, pushing them to seventh place in the ongoing ICC WTC 2025-27 cycle.
Can England bring back Andy Flower? – Kevin Pietersen calls on ECB to fire Brendon McCullum
Kevin Pietersen says England should consider bringing back Andy Flower as head coach. Pietersen said Flower has evolved over time and understands modern players better. Kevin Pietersen added that appointing Flower would be a risky decision but one worth discussing.
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“That’s a WILD thought. I consider it one of my wildest. Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he has changed and fits the modern player? He gets Test cricket”, Kevin Pietersen wrote.
“Many players have told me that he has changed his ways since our drama. He’s winning leagues, so he really looks like the modern-day player. VERY IMPORTANT! Wild, I know! Any thoughts?” Kevin Pietersen added.
This is a WILD thought. I think it’s one of my craziest ones.
Can England bring back Andy Flower now that he has changed and fits the modern player?
He gets Test Cricket.
Many players told me that he had changed his habits since our tragedy.
He wins leagues so…– Kévin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) J.AnYouArYes 9, 2026
England struggle for consistency under Brendon McCullum
England’s results did not meet expectations. After a good start as head coach, the team struggled to win major series and did not make a strong impact in Test cricket. England have not been serious contenders in the WTC and have failed to beat top teams like India and Australia.
A major problem has been England’s away performances. The team often used the same aggressive style in all conditions, even when it didn’t work. This approach led to poor results on foreign tours, particularly in difficult conditions.
Even in England, the team did not take full advantage of the home pitches. While McCullum’s overall record since 2022 isn’t bad, his recent form is concerning. The England and Wales Cricket Board may need to rethink its plans if England are to remain competitive in the current Test cycle.
Australia overcome absentees as England’s hopes fade
Australia was without Josh Hazlewood for the entire series, while Pat Cummins was only available for the Adelaide Test. The hosts also sorted out fitness issues involving Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne and handed Jake Weatherald his Test debut, but England still failed to take control.
The series started disastrously for England in the first Test in Perth, where they were bowled out twice in two days, lasting just 66.9 overs. Australia then chased down an easy 205, with Travis Head’s century giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
England were more combative in Brisbane and Adelaide, but Australia continued to win the key stages. The visitors finally ended their 18-Test winless streak in Australia with a Boxing Day Test victory in two days.
The victory briefly raised hopes of a 2-3 result in the five-match series. However, the momentum did not last, as Australia sealed the final Test in Sydney with a five-wicket victory to close the series 4–1. England left the Ashes tour with more regrets than rewards and many familiar ‘what if’ moments.
Also read: Stuart Broad arrogantly guarantees 2027 Ashes victory after Australia humiliation
