'Time for a Reset': Panesar Backs Shastri as England Coach Post-Ashes Defeat

New Delhi: Former England spinner Monty Panesar says that the time has come when English cricket should think afresh. After losing 3-0 in the Ashes in Australia, he has talked about making Ravi Shastri the next head coach in place of Brendon McCullum. Panesar believes that Shastri has the experience that can make the team stand in conditions like Australia.

Why has this debate intensified now?

Australia won the first three tests in just 11 days. England's batting appeared to be collapsing under constant pressure, and the bowlers were unable to make an impact in long spells. England's plan did not seem to work on fast and bouncy pitches. McCullum's aggressive cricketing philosophy, which people call 'baseball,' seemed ineffective in these conditions. For this reason, questions are being raised regarding the strategy to go out and win.

Why is Panesar pointing towards Ravi Shastri?

Panesar argues that Shastri knows how to beat Australia on its own soil. India had won two consecutive Test series in Australia during his tenure. These wins in 2018–19 and 2020–21 came in periods when the hosts were considered almost impossible to beat at home. Panesar says England needs a coach who knows how to win where the team struggles the most.

What are England's current difficulties?

The England team looked weak in every department in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Wrong shot selection, loose fielding, and lack of bowling impact gave Australia the lead match after match. There have also been changes in the team before the fourth test. Joffra Archer is out of the series, and Gus Atkinson has come in his place. Jacob Bettel has been given a chance in place of Ollie Pope. The rotation of the team shows that the management is still finding the right combination.

What could happen next?

Time will tell whether Ravi Shastri gets the responsibility of England or not. But Panesar's words have definitely started a new discussion. England will have to learn to win away from home, and how much impact the change in coaching will have on this issue could become the next big question.