Alastair Cook Levels Serious Allegations On Brendon McCullum After England's Champions Trophy Ouster

Alastair Cook, former England captain, has targetted and blamed coach Brendon McCullum for England’s poor performance in the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025. England failed to qualify for the semi-finals after losing to Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan in Group B of the tournament.

Brendon McCullum has been under intense scrutiny since the team's dismal performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His first big competition as a white-ball coach didn't go well since the team captained by Jos Buttler didn't seem well.

When McCullum took over as England's white-ball coach in January of this year, his tenure got off to the worst possible start. After just two missions, his position was questioned since he was unable to duplicate his success as a red-ball coach in white-ball cricket.

England faced defeat against India before failing to win a single game in the Champions Trophy under Brendon McCullum

In addition to his responsibilities as red-ball side coach, Brendon McCullum succeeded Matthew Mott as England's white-ball head coach. Marcus Trescothick served as the team's temporary coach during the transition, but the poor character of the outcomes has persisted.

The England National Cricket Team suffered a landslide defeat in the ODI series and lost the T20I series to India by a score of 4-1 under McCullum. It was anticipated that they would engage in combat at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but that did not transpire.

England lost against South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, failing to win a single match. Former players have expressed concerns about the team's future struggles, particularly with Brendon McCullum's coaching approach.

Alastair Cook questions Brendon McCullum’s coaching style

Alastair Cook was one of Brendon McCullum's detractors. The England great wasn't persuaded by the coach's approach of putting the team's atmosphere first. He emphasized how the team's success during his playing days was mostly dependent on preparation.

"All my preparation was done leading up to it. I hit a lot of balls. I see the set-up now with Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes and it's a lot more relaxed. I am not sure how much I would have enjoyed that relaxedness,” Cook said on Load of BS on Sport podcast (via ANI).

Cook goes hard

In addition, Alastair Cook emphasized that players who are in form should hit even more balls since they shouldn't waste their rhythm.

"I liked - I suppose with Goochy (Graeme Gooch), hit lots of balls, and if you are in form hit even more balls because you do not want to waste that rhythm. Andy Flower was constantly improving, always working," he added.

England's performance in ODI cricket has drastically declined. They have dropped their last ten games, and Jos Buttler resigned as captain after the team's defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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