Rob Key backs Brendon McCullum to remain as England head coach despite Ashes defeat

Rob Key insists Brendon McCullum is the best man to continue leading England but admits he does not know what the ECB have planned in the wake of their abject Ashes defeat.

A tour hyped as a legacy-defining project has descended into a familiar bout of soul‑searching for the English game after three consecutive defeats in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.

The urn may already be gone, but with two Tests still to play - starting with the Boxing Day match in Melbourne - England still have a chance to salvage some pride.

Failure to do so could put jobs, including Key's role as managing director of men's cricket, on the line. McCullum has already signalled his desire to stay on, and Key, who appointed him as Test coach in 2022, remains firmly in his corner.