Brendon McCullum admitted that his future as England head coach is not in his control after Australia sealed another Ashes series victory.

England lost by 82 runs in Adelaide last week, leaving them 3-0 down in the series ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

The tourists’ tactics have come under plenty of scrutiny due to their aggressive nature with the bat, with Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith losing their wickets with such shots at key moments.

This also comes after England drew their five-game series in the longest format against India during the summer, placing plenty of pressure on the McCullum and Ben Stokes leadership.

Although McCullum wants to remain in the role, he understands it is not up to him.

When asked if he would be in charge of their home Tests next summer, McCullum responded: “I don't know. It's not really up to me, is it?

Australia win by 82 runs and retain the Ashes. pic.twitter.com/YtIf1CzmmU

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 21, 2025

“I'll just keep trying to do the job, trying to learn the lessons I haven't quite got right here and try to make some adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me.

“It's a pretty good gig. It's good fun. You travel the world with the lads and try to play some exciting cricket and try to achieve some things.

“You want to try to get the best out of people. I don't do anything to protect the job. It's a matter of trying to just get the very best out of the people and try to achieve what you can with them.”

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) men’s managing director Rob Key is due to address the media on Tuesday in Melbourne.

McCullum is contracted until 2027, and if he stays on until the end of that deal, he would oversee the ODI World Cup and the next Ashes series.