Sydney Test could define Ben Stokes–Brendon McCullum era: Michael Vaughan

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCulum (Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has opined that winning the fifth Test of the ongoing Ashes will go a long way in securing the coach-captain duo of Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes‘ future with the team. England enter the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Ashes trailing 3-1.

Vaughan commented on the haphazard manner in which England got over the finish line in the Boxing Day Test. He was of the opinion that a more convincing performance will be needed for the management to be completely sure in their stance of backing McCullum and Stokes.

“I think it’s a massive game for England [in Sydney]. It’s nice to win a game of cricket, but let’s be honest, it was a complete lottery in Melbourne. It wasn’t a proper game of Test match cricket. For the future, and for this management in particular, they need to win a strong game of cricket here, one that’s not a two-dayer,” stated Vaughan, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald.

The renowned commentator emphasised that the management had indicated that they will be keen to continue with McCullum in particular. However, Vaughan reiterated that his future could depend on how England perform in Sydney.

“For this management to carry on, the likes of Ben and Baz – I’m pretty sure they will carry on – but I think they need a good week for that to be absolutely rock solid. There’s a huge appetite within the group to keep [McCullum] on. But fundamentally, if they get pummelled in Sydney, there need to be some honest conversations,” he added.

England have failed to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship in all three cycles so far, with the final being hosted in England each time. They are currently placed seventh in the WTC points table. Although the McCullum-Stokes pair boast a win percentage of 57%, the Three Lions have not had the best of outings in the red-ball arena of late.

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