England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his full support behind Joe Root's return as England's Test captain, calling him the ideal leader to guide the team through its transition period. At the same time, McCullum revealed that Harry Brook is being developed as England's long-term captain for the red-ball format.

McCullum backs Root's leadership

McCullum praised the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to hand the Test captaincy back to Root following Ben Stokes' retirement. He believes Root's experience, leadership qualities, and understanding of the game make him the perfect choice to lead England during a rebuilding phase. 

Harry Brook seen as future captain

While backing Root for the present, McCullum made it clear that Harry Brook is a key part of England's long-term leadership plans. He said the young batter will be mentored and developed to eventually take over the Test captaincy in the future. 

Stephen Fleming's arrival welcomed

McCullum also praised the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England's new Test head coach, saying his vast coaching experience will strengthen the red-ball side and help shape the team's future

England enters rebuilding phase

With Root back as captain, Fleming taking charge of the Test team, and Brook being groomed for leadership, England appears to be focused on building a stable long-term structure after a period of transition. The changes are aimed at restoring consistency and strengthening England's position in Test cricket.

Joe Root has been appointed England's Test captain, returning to the leadership role more than four years after stepping down from the position. Root will replace Ben Stokes, who recently retired from international cricket, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England's new Test coach. The changes mark the beginning of another phase for England's red-ball side after a turbulent few months. Root's first assignment after returning as captain will be the three-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning in Leeds on August 19. For the experienced batter, captaincy is hardly unfamiliar territory. Root previously led England's Test team for around five years, from February 13, 2017, to April 15, 2022, captaining the side in 64 matches before eventually stepping down. His return means England have opted for an experienced hand at a time when the Test setup is going through significant changes both on and off the field.

The developments come after a difficult period for the England cricket setup. According to the information provided, Stokes faced suspension following a late-night drinking incident and nightclub controversy in Chelsea after the opening match of a series. He subsequently announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, leaving England searching for a new Test captain. Alongside Root's return to leadership, England have brought in Stephen Fleming to take charge of the Test team. The 51-year-old has built a strong reputation as a coach, particularly through his long association with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Under Fleming's coaching, CSK won the IPL title five times, making him one of the most successful coaches in the competition's history. His coaching experience is not restricted to the IPL. Fleming has also worked with CSK's sister franchises in South Africa's SA20 and Major League Cricket in the United States. He also has a long connection with English domestic cricket. During his playing career, Fleming represented Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, while more recently he worked as head coach of Southern Brave in The Hundred.

Brendon McCullum, meanwhile, has stepped away from his role as England's Test coach but will continue as head coach of the ODI and T20I teams until the end of next year, according to the details provided. The arrangement means England will now have separate coaching leadership for red-ball and white-ball cricket. Fleming and McCullum have been close friends and professional associates for a long time, something that could help England maintain coordination between the two setups despite the change in responsibilities. For Root, the immediate challenge will be different. His first stint as captain lasted 64 Tests and placed him at the centre of England's red-ball cricket for five years. This time he returns as a far more experienced player and with a new coach alongside him. The Pakistan series beginning on August 19 will provide the first indication of how the Root-Fleming combination intends to shape England's Test side. With Stokes no longer part of international cricket and McCullum concentrating on the limited-overs teams, England have effectively reset their Test leadership. Root's return offers continuity and experience, while Fleming arrives with a coaching record built around sustained success in franchise cricket. Attention will now turn to Leeds, where their new partnership is set to face its first major test.

The decision comes at a turbulent time for English cricket, with the national side struggling for results in the longest format and former captain Ben Stokes having already stepped away from international cricket in recent weeks. The twin developments effectively bring an end to the aggressive "Bazball" era that reshaped England’s approach to Test cricket over the last four years.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that McCullum will no longer oversee the Test team, though he is expected to continue his involvement with England’s white-ball setup. The move follows a disappointing stretch in which England lost seven of their last nine Test matches, raising questions about the sustainability of the attacking philosophy that had initially transformed the side.

McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, took charge of England’s Test team in 2022. Working alongside Stokes, he introduced a fearless brand of cricket built around positive intent, rapid scoring and aggressive decision-making. At a time when England had struggled badly for results, the approach immediately produced a dramatic turnaround.

The early months of the McCullum-Stokes partnership were marked by a string of memorable victories. England chased down challenging fourth-innings targets, scored at unprecedented rates and earned praise for making Test cricket more entertaining. The team’s success also sparked a wider debate about whether traditional approaches to the format needed to evolve.

However, the momentum gradually faded.

Several high-profile defeats over the last two seasons exposed the risks associated with constant attacking cricket. Critics argued that England’s commitment to aggressive tactics sometimes came at the expense of match awareness and game management, particularly in pressure situations.

The recent home series defeat against New Zealand intensified scrutiny. With England already searching for answers following a poor run of results, the board appears to have concluded that a fresh direction is needed before future marquee assignments, including the next Ashes cycle.

McCullum acknowledged the decision and thanked players and support staff for their commitment during his tenure. While disappointed to leave the Test role, he indicated that he would continue focusing on England’s limited-overs teams.

The end of McCullum’s tenure also leaves England searching for a new leadership structure. Stokes’ departure created a vacancy in the captaincy, and several names have already been discussed as potential successors. Among them, Harry Brook is widely viewed as a leading candidate given his growing influence within the squad and strong performances across formats.

The ECB is also expected to begin the process of identifying a new Test coach. Former international players and experienced domestic coaches are likely to be considered as England looks to balance attacking cricket with greater consistency.

Beyond personnel changes, attention will now turn to whether England alters the playing style that became synonymous with Bazball. Under McCullum and Stokes, pitches often favoured aggressive batting and high-scoring contests. Some analysts believe England could return to more traditional conditions that place greater emphasis on seam bowling and tactical discipline.

What remains undisputed is the impact McCullum had on England’s Test identity. Even critics acknowledge that the New Zealander revived interest in the format and encouraged players to approach the game with greater freedom.

As England prepares for a new era, the challenge will be retaining the confidence and positivity that defined Bazball while addressing the shortcomings that ultimately contributed to its decline. The coming months could determine whether England builds on that legacy or moves decisively in a different direction.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that McCullum will no longer serve as England's Test head coach after four years in charge, although he will continue leading the country's white-ball teams. The decision comes after a difficult run in red-ball cricket, including a home Test series defeat to New Zealand and a disappointing Ashes campaign, prompting the ECB to begin searching for a new direction ahead of future assignments.

According to reports in the British media, Rahul Dravid is among the names under consideration as England looks to appoint a successor. Former England coach Andy Flower, ex-England spinner Richard Dawson and several other experienced coaches are also believed to be in the discussion.

Dravid's inclusion has attracted considerable attention given his long association with Indian cricket. Widely regarded as one of the game's finest technicians, he previously guided India's senior men's team before stepping away from the role. During his tenure, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and also reached the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, while continuing to develop a strong pool of young cricketers.

Despite his impressive coaching credentials, reports suggest Dravid has shown little interest in returning to a full-time international coaching assignment. However, the England Test role is said to offer a different working structure, with longer breaks between assignments compared to year-round responsibilities attached to coaching all formats. That has led to suggestions that the position could be more compatible with his personal preferences.

McCullum's departure marks the end of the highly publicised "Bazball" era that transformed England's approach to Test cricket after his appointment in 2022 alongside then-captain Ben Stokes. England initially enjoyed remarkable success with its aggressive style of play, winning a series of memorable matches and reviving interest in the format.

However, recent performances failed to match those early achievements. England struggled for consistency, losing several important Test series, and the ECB eventually decided that a change was necessary as preparations begin for next year's Ashes campaign. While McCullum's work in Test cricket has concluded, the board has retained him as head coach of the ODI and T20 teams after England's continued success in white-ball cricket.

The search for England's next Test coach is expected to attract global interest, with several experienced international coaches and former players linked to the position. No official shortlist has been released by the ECB, and there has been no confirmation that Dravid has been approached or expressed interest in the role.

For Indian cricket followers, the possibility of one of the country's most respected cricket minds taking charge of England would represent an unusual chapter in the sport's history. Such appointments have been rare, particularly involving former Indian head coaches moving to another major international side.

At present, the reports remain speculative, and the ECB is yet to announce a timeline for appointing its new Test coach. Until then, Rahul Dravid's name is expected to remain at the centre of discussions surrounding one of international cricket's most significant coaching vacancies.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced a strict new alcohol policy for England's men's cricket team, prohibiting players from consuming alcohol during matches and until one day after the conclusion of every home series or overseas tour fixture. The move follows a series of off-field controversies involving England players and is aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism and player welfare.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the new guidelines form part of a broader code of conduct governing player behaviour on and off the field. The ECB said the measures are designed to protect the reputation of English cricket while ensuring players remain focused on performance, preparation and recovery.

Alcohol Ban Covers Match Days and Recovery Period

Under the revised policy, England players will not be allowed to consume alcohol during any match or on the day immediately following its conclusion.

For example, if a Test match finishes on the fifth day, players will remain prohibited from drinking until the sixth day. The restrictions apply throughout home series and overseas tours.

The policy marks a significant departure from the long-standing tradition of players celebrating victories with alcohol immediately after matches.

New Off-Field Conduct Rules

The ECB has also retained its existing midnight curfew policy. Players who are not back at the team hotel by 10 pm must inform team management or security personnel of their whereabouts.

The new code further prohibits players from:

• Appearing on social media while under the influence of alcohol.

• Posting photographs or videos related to drinking alcohol.

• Consuming alcohol in public places without prior approval from ECB Managing Director Rob Key or head coach Brendon McCullum.

The policy also discourages players from drinking privately during matches, emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards of preparation, recovery and professionalism.

According to the report, the objective is to "protect the players, the reputation of cricket in England and Wales, and the ECB, while optimising player performance."

Policy Follows High-Profile Controversies

The stricter rules come after a series of incidents involving England players attracted public attention.

The most prominent was the nightclub controversy involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, who reportedly breached team curfew after England's victory over New Zealand at Lord's by visiting a nightclub in Chelsea.

During the outing, an altercation reportedly took place involving Saracens academy rugby player Totoa Auvaa, who allegedly struck ECB security official James Shaw, leaving him with facial injuries requiring stitches.

The incident prompted renewed scrutiny of player discipline and intensified calls for tighter behavioural standards.

Previous Incidents Raised Concerns

The Stokes-Atkinson episode was not an isolated case.

Earlier in the year, England's white-ball captain Harry Brook was reportedly involved in an incident outside a nightclub in Wellington before an ODI against New Zealand.

During the Ashes series, opener Ben Duckett also drew attention after a video showing him apparently under the influence of alcohol circulated on social media.

These incidents collectively contributed to growing concerns within the ECB regarding player conduct and the team's public image.

Focus on Professional Standards

The revised policy reflects the ECB's broader effort to reinforce professional standards within the England setup under the current management structure.

By tightening off-field regulations, the board aims to minimise distractions, improve player recovery and maintain discipline during international assignments.

The new guidelines are expected to apply across future England tours and home series, with management closely monitoring compliance as part of the team's overall performance and welfare programme.

England’s troubled Ashes tour in Australia has taken a fresh off-field twist as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed it is investigating a viral “Ben Duckett drunk video” allegedly filmed during the team’s mid-series break in Noosa.

The clip, widely shared on X, appears to show the England opener intoxicated and struggling to remember the way back to his team hotel after the second Test defeat in Brisbane.

What the viral Ben Duckett drunk video shows

In the 70–80 second clip circulating on social media, a man identified as Ben Duckett is seen slurring his speech while talking to a small group outside what appears to be a pub in Noosa. When a woman asks if he knows how to get home, he replies “No,” appearing confused and disoriented as others try to guide him. The video also captures Duckett using expletives and saying “I’ll order an Uber on your phone” as he asks for help getting back.

The footage is reported to have been filmed during England’s four-day stay in the Sunshine Coast resort town between the second and third Ashes Tests, a trip that was originally billed as a chance for players to “refresh and unwind” after going 2-0 down. Its emergence has intensified scrutiny of the squad’s off-field behaviour amid an already “nightmare” Ashes campaign.

ECB’s official response and ongoing investigation

The ECB issued a brief statement saying it is “aware of content circulating on social media” and is now “establishing the facts” around the Ben Duckett drunk video and broader reports of drinking during the Noosa break. The board reiterated that it has “high expectations” of player behaviour, acknowledged the intense public scrutiny cricketers face, and said it would not comment further until the investigation is complete.

Rob Key, managing director of England men’s cricket, had already said earlier in the day that he would examine claims that the Noosa trip resembled a “stag do” with excessive alcohol consumption. “If there are things where people are saying that our players went out and drank excessively, then of course we’ll be looking into that,” Key told reporters, adding that heavy drinking during a major Test tour was not acceptable.

Noosa trip, Ashes failure and player pressure

The England camp travelled to Noosa for a four-night stay after their eight-wicket defeat in Brisbane, with head coach Brendon McCullum reportedly planning the break well in advance to help players reset mentally during the long tour. However, Australian media and fans closely followed the squad, with reports of players seen drinking on the high street and accusations that the break was poorly timed given the team’s on-field struggles.

England have already surrendered the Ashes, trailing 3-0 with the urn lost in just 11 days of play, turning the Noosa controversy into another flashpoint in a disastrous series. Former coaches and pundits have questioned whether discipline and preparation standards have slipped, while others argue that players are entitled to downtime and that such clips can lack full context.

Why the Ben Duckett drunk video matters now

For fans and the ECB, the Ben Duckett drunk video raises three key concerns:

• Image of the England team at a time of heavy defeat and intense media criticism.
  
  

• Player welfare and alcohol use under pressure during long overseas tours.
  
  

• Dressing-room culture and whether off-field habits are undermining performance.
  
  

Cricket analysts suggest this investigation could shape future tour protocols, including stricter monitoring of team breaks, clearer alcohol policies, and stronger support systems for players coping with stress.

As the ECB gathers evidence around the Ben Duckett drunk video and the Noosa allegations, the episode has already become a defining off-field story of the 2025–26 Ashes – one that England can ill afford after another failed bid to win the urn in Australia.