Monty Panesar backs Ravi Shastri as England’s next head coach

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has suggested former India head coach Ravi Shastri as an ideal candidate to take charge of the England cricket team, amid growing scrutiny over current head coach Brendon McCullum.

England, under McCullum, faced another disappointing Ashes tour in Australia, losing the series inside 11 days. The defeat has renewed questions over McCullum's tactics and the effectiveness of the much-discussed 'Bazball' philosophy.

McCullum was appointed England head coach in 2022 by ECB managing director Rob Key, following England's 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia. Initially, he and captain Ben Stokes revitalised England's Test side, winning 10 of their first 11 matches.

However, England's momentum has stalled since then. The team has failed to win any five-match Test series against Australia or India, losing 16 of their next 33 matches. 

The ongoing Ashes series has further highlighted these struggles, with England trailing 0-3 with two matches still to play.

Panesar cited Shastri's experience in winning in Australia as a key factor. 

"You have to think: who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How do you take advantage of Australia's weaknesses, mentally, physically, and tactically? I think Ravi Shastri should become England's next head coach," said Panesar.

Under Shastri, India defeated Australia twice in Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy—first in 2018/19, marking India's maiden Test series victory Down Under, and again in 2020/21, rebounding from the infamous '36 all out' in Adelaide and navigating a tour severely impacted by injuries.

Despite mounting external pressure, McCullum has expressed his desire to continue as England head coach but acknowledged that his future may no longer be entirely in his control. 

The former New Zealand captain remains under contract with the ECB until the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup, a tenure that also includes the next home Ashes series scheduled for the same year.