'Not like football': ECB defends itself after dismal Ashes

THE England and Wales Cricket Board has defended its decision to back the leadership team that oversaw this winter's Ashes surrender, insisting the future of Brendon McCullum and Rob Key could not be settled by a football-style "popularity campaign".

- By RORY DOLLARD

and Rob Key, and, inset, Richard Gould

The governing body promised a “thorough review” in the wake of the resounding 4-1 defeat Down Under, a tour plagued by criticisms of sloppy preparation, excessive drinking and selection mistakes, but has concluded evolution under McCullum as head coach and Key as managing director is preferable to swinging the axe.

A 4-0 loss in Australia four years earlier saw both predecessors - Chris Silverwood and Ashley Giles - pay with their jobs and there has been a considerable appetite for similar action among sections of the support.