Former England captain Michael Vaughan has demanded a complete overhaul of the England cricket setup in the wake of the retirement of Ben Stokes from international cricket, asking head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key to resign after a lacklustre period of results.
Stokes announced his retirement following England's 160-run defeat to New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge. The result secured a 2-1 series defeat and brought an end to the all-rounder's international cricket career after he guided England through one of its most controversial periods.
There has been little respite for England's recent Test record. Two victories in the last 10 Tests-losing to both Australia and New Zealand as well as drawing a home series with India-have left the coaching staff under a great deal of scrutiny.
Vaughan Questions England's Direction
On the Stick to Cricket podcast, Vaughan confessed England's performances had got out of hand.
"When I saw that on the fourth evening last week, I went 'nah, we can't accept that' as ex-players in the game. And it was that period that I watched, and I went 'nah, enough is enough'. English cricket has got to be better than that."
Vaughan expressed doubts over McCullum's suitability to be in charge of the national side.
"I think Baz McCullum is a great guy, but he's not a great coach, and for England, as ex-players and fans of English cricket, we should be aiming to be the number-one team in the world and at the minute we are ranked seventh."
He added:
"We've won two games in 10 matches, and those two wins have come at Lord's on a cesspit, and the MCG, which was a two-dayer, so the only two games that we've won have been on farmers' fields. That can't be right."
Also Read | Ben Stokes Retirement: 5 Biggest Records and Milestones of England Legend's Career
Rob Key Also Faces Criticism
Vaughan, who thinks the issues are not exclusively related to the coaching staff, called for further changes to be made in the management, too.
"I want change. I've seen enough. I care passionately about English cricket, and I hate watching that, and you can't tell me that the 20-odd thousand aren't thinking the same. When you've got the opposition in your own backyard laughing at you, enough is enough. We need to move on."
He even raised doubts about Rob Key.
"I'm so frustrated watching it, it's laughable. You've got to say that Rob Key's job is on the line. It has to be on the line. It wouldn't surprise me if Rob Key goes. They're not being well coached. You are telling me if Andy Flower was in charge this team would be getting the results they are getting? No chance."
Ben Stokes' retirement signifies the conclusion of a significant section in the history of England. According to Vaughan, the team will need to reconstruct their strategy under new leadership if they wish to regain the top position in world cricket.
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