Our Bureau
London
Monty Panesar has called for Brendon McCullum’s immediate dismissal as England head coach, nominating Ravi Shastri as his replacement amid Australia’s dominant 3-0 Ashes lead. The former England spinner’s bold suggestion comes after England’s batting collapsed 82 runs short of a record 435-run chase in Adelaide, sealing Australia’s urn retention in just 11 days. With the Boxing Day Test looming in Melbourne, pressure mounts on McCullum’s “Bazball” aggression, which has faltered on bouncy Australian pitches.
Panesar, speaking to journalist Ravi Bisht, praised Shastri’s proven track record against Australia, citing India’s back-to-back Test series triumphs Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21 under the ex-India coach. “Who knows how to beat Australia mentally, physically, and tactically? Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach,” Panesar declared, arguing for a tactical reset to exploit Aussie weaknesses. England’s struggles—batting folds in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, plus a bowling attack lacking sustained bite—have exposed Bazball’s limits away from home, last won there in 2010-11.
England reshuffled for Melbourne, recalling Gus Atkinson for the injured Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell over Ollie Pope, signaling desperation despite dead rubber status. World Test Championship final hopes evaporated, reviving debates on captain Ben Stokes and McCullum’s futures. Panesar’s outsider pick underscores cricket’s global talent pool, though Shastri’s availability remains unconfirmed.
