The problems within the England camp during the recent Ashes 2025-26 in Australia have now finally been exposed by the English media. England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes were not always on the same page, even though they appeared united in public.
Despite losing the Ashes to Australia by a 4–1 margin, both McCullum and Stokes continued to openly support the buzzball style, but behind closed doors things were very different.
Explosive report reveals rift between Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes during Ashes 2025-26
An explosive new report from The Telegraph has lifted the curtain on serious behind-the-scenes tensions between Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes during Australia’s disastrous 2025-26 Ashes campaign.
Also read: Nasser Hussain breaks silence on clash with Brendon McCullum, warns of ‘dismissal’ after Ashes defeat
It is being said that there was a significant tactical and philosophical clash between the coach and the captain which played a significant role in the team’s embarrassing Ashes defeat in Australia.
Incident: Rift erupted due to training ground dispute
The report revealed that the first warm-up took place during the long break between the first and second Tests. England had to face a heavy defeat in the first Test which ended in just two days. McCullum and Stokes had opposite views on how to handle the team after the Ashes opener.
Brendon McCullum’s view: The head coach wanted a light and comfortable session so that the players could remain fresh and relaxed and maintain a positive mindset.
Stokes’ demands: The captain wanted intense and tough training, both physically and mentally. He felt that the team needed to work harder to recover from such an embarrassing defeat.
This disagreement over philosophy caused the first rift in their once strong partnership.
Tactical tension spread across the field
This difference gradually started becoming visible on the field also. As the five-match Test series progressed, Stokes, who is usually very aggressive, began to bat more cautiously and became cautious with his bowling plans. This change did not please Brendon McCullum, who always believes in playing positive and aggressive cricket.
Also read: ‘Angry’ James Anderson criticizes Ben Stokes over ‘nonsense’ comments after 1-4 Ashes defeat
The report claimed that this also spread tension in the England dressing room. His words in public also started sounding different. Stokes started talking more about toughness, fight and mental strength. He wanted his players to show more hunger and patience.
McCullum, on the other hand, continued to speak about freedom, trust and maintaining a happy team environment. An insider claimed that McCullum felt Stokes was starting to feel the pressure of Ashes 2025-26 and it was affecting his decisions and instincts.
Mixed messages and confusing team selection
England’s team selection and plans also became confusing as Stokes and McCullum were not completely cohesive during the Ashes tour. Some decisions made no sense, such as playing Will Jacks at number eight on flat pitches where batting depth was needed. The overall strategy seemed unclear, and the team never found a proper rhythm during the Test series.