‘It’s not up to me is it?’ McCullum wants to stay on despite England’s Ashes defeat

Brendon McCullum (left) walks off the pitch after England’s defeat at the Adelaide Oval. Photograph: Robbie Stephenson/PA

Brendon McCullum has stressed his desire to stay on as England head coach but acknowledged this is now a question for those higher up.

Australia winning a much-anticipated Ashes series at the earliest opportunity has thrust McCullum’s role into the spotlight but with a multi-format contract that runs up to the end of the 50-over World Cup in late 2027, removing him would cost a seven-figure sum.