Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticized the retention of head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key following a post-Ashes review. Vaughan described their survival as 'very lucky' after England's 4-1 Test series defeat in Australia, calling it 'poor management' that typically results in dismissals. The review examined inadequate planning and poor performances during the tour.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould acknowledged that sacking McCullum and Key would have been the 'easy thing to do.' Vaughan, who led England to 2005 Ashes victory, said Stokes' captaincy was never in question but the management team's survival was surprising. He noted their hands-off approach created an overly relaxed environment that critics say contributed to the team's struggles.

Key announced changes including a new 'county insight group' to improve selection processes and rebuild relations with domestic cricket stakeholders. He admitted England had been 'too loyal' to certain players, creating an environment lacking consequences. Vaughan suggested McCullum should have spent time with county teams earlier to rebuild fan support before the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.