![\"Brendon](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131228035,imgsize-34740,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/brendon-mccullum-ap-photo.jpg\" "\\"Brendon")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Former England pacer Darren Gough<\/a> has questioned why Brendon McCullum<\/a> continues as England head coach after the team\u2019s disappointing Ashes defeat in Australia. England lost the 2025\/26 Ashes series 4-1, but both McCullum and captain Ben Stokes<\/a> have kept their positions ahead of the upcoming home series against New Zealand.Speaking on The Overlap\u2019s Stick to Cricket show, Gough said McCullum was fortunate to remain in charge after such a poor result. \u201cI think Baz McCullum is realistically very lucky to carry on as England’s head coach,\u201d Gough said.He added, \u201cIf you’re not winning games your job is going to come under scrutiny.\u201d While Gough said he enjoys England\u2019s attacking style under McCullum, he believes the team now needs more discipline and toughness. \u201cI like the way they play but it needs toning down a bit. We need a bit of steel,\u201d he explained.Gough also opened up about missing out on the role of England\u2019s national selector. The England and Wales Cricket Board instead appointed former Australia batter Marcus North, a decision that clearly upset the former fast bowler.\u201cI was disheartened. I’ll be honest, it did hurt me,\u201d Gough admitted.The former Yorkshire managing director believes he could have added valuable experience to England\u2019s setup and challenged the current management when needed.\u201cI could have challenged them in the right areas. I’m mature now, I’m not like I was 10 years ago, a hothead. I’ve mellowed a lot, I’ve managed people,\u201d he said.Gough also felt his long experience in English cricket gave him a strong chance of landing the job. \u201cMy honest opinion was, if they went down the route of someone who’d played for England, who has done all the roles in the game, I might just get this,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n