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Former England spinner Monty Panesar has thrown Ravi Shastri’s name into the debate surrounding the English team’s coaching future, suggesting the former India head coach would be an ideal candidate.
England’s struggles on the ongoing Ashes tour of Australia have once again put Brendon McCullum’s methods under the microscope.
The visitors are trailing 0-3 in the five-match series with two Tests still remaining, having effectively lost the Ashes inside the first 11 days of the contest.
The disappointing showing has reignited questions over England’s tactical approach and the long-term effectiveness of the much-hyped ‘Bazball’ philosophy.
McCullum was appointed England head coach in 2022 by ECB managing director Rob Key following a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.
His early impact was dramatic, as England, under McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, won 10 of their first 11 Test matches and appeared rejuvenated in both approach and results.
However, that momentum has faded over time. Since the initial surge, England have struggled for consistency, failing to win a five-match Test series against either Australia or India and losing 16 of their next 33 Tests.
The current Ashes campaign has further exposed those issues, particularly in Australian conditions.
Monty Panesar believes Shastri’s proven success in Australia makes him a standout option should England look for a change at the top.
“You have to ask who actually knows how to beat Australia,” Panesar said. “How do you exploit their weaknesses mentally, physically and tactically? For me, Ravi Shastri should be England’s next head coach.”
Shastri’s credentials in Australia are well established. During his stint as India’s head coach, the team secured historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia in both 2018/19 and 2020/21.
The latter triumph was especially remarkable, coming after India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and despite a tour ravaged by injuries to key players.
Despite the mounting pressure, McCullum has publicly stated his desire to continue in the role, while admitting that his future may no longer be entirely in his own hands.
The former New Zealand captain remains under contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, a period that also includes the next home Ashes series scheduled for the same year.
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