Manager Joe Root said it would be “foolish” for England to change their management team after the Ashes defeat, insisting the players were “absolutely committed” to the current setup.
England lost the first three Tests in Australia in just 11 days of cricket, putting pressure on captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key.
However, the two-day victory in the Boxing Day match at the MCG ended England’s 18 Test winless record in Australia dating back to the 2010-11 series victory.
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Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton look back at how England avoided a potential Ashes whitewash after ending 18 Tests in Australia and a 15-year winless streak
They will now aim to complete the tour on a positive note by achieving success in the final Test in Sydney starting January 4th.
Root, who captained England when they lost 4-0 Down Under in 2017-18 and 2021-22, said: “We are absolutely committed to the management in terms of the playing group.
“They were outstanding and I think it would be foolish (to overlook) their efforts and accomplishments.
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes’ positions came under pressure after Ashes defeat
“If you look at the group of players we have, the players who were on the team four years ago when I was captain, they’re all growing as players. This team is growing as a team.”
“I think we’ve made great progress as a group.”
England’s preparations for the Ashes were criticized after they played just one warm-up match against second-team Lions ahead of the first Test in Perth.
The ECB are also investigating allegations of excessive drinking during the mid-series break in Noosa, after an unverified video allegedly appeared showing batsman Ben Duckett inebriated.
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England director of cricket Rob Key does not believe there is a drinking culture within the squad but will investigate reports that the mid-series stoppage at Noosa resembled a “stag do”
Root added: “Obviously there’s always more to do and work on and yes we can be better.
“There are certain areas that we will continue to work on, but management is very committed to them.
“They may be doing things a little differently and they may look different to the English teams we are used to, but I think we have made great progress as a group and a big reason for that is down to the players behind us.”
“It’s a completely different approach, a different way of doing things, but there’s been a lot of progress in terms of how we’ve fought through this period.”
Root’s century in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane was his first for Australia
Why MCG win feels ‘weird’ to Root
Root also played a part in the team’s 5-0 run in the 2013-14 season, finally winning a Test in Australia in his 18th appearance. Meanwhile, the second Test in Brisbane earlier this month marked the first Ashes Hundred away.
The batter said, “I didn’t want to come here and lose another Ashes series.
“It’s a strange feeling to win (at the MCG). It’s disappointing to lose the series, but it’s really important to get the right result (in Melbourne).”
“It would be great if we win again next week. Every time you get a Test match, every opportunity to represent your country, it’s a huge privilege and a huge honour.
“If we can build on this and do the same again next time, it will be momentum in the right direction for our next tour here (2029-30).”
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