Former Australia batter Aaron Finch has labelled England's recent coaching and captaincy upheaval a "circus" and says many Australians have been watching "giggling" at their old rivals. Ben Stokes sensationally announced his retirement from international cricket during England's final Test against New Zealand in June, with head coach Brendon McCullum later dismissed as head coach of the red-ball side. The Test side face major changes amid a slump in form, having lost seven of their last nine matches.

Speaking to the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Finch questioned England's stubbornness during their recent tour Down Under and decisions by England's hierarchy. "The way that it's all panned out, it has been a little bit like a circus," Finch told Michael Atherton. He criticised the lack of a warm-up game before the Ashes at the WACA, which replicates Perth Stadium conditions, and England's dismissive attitude: "'No, we know best. We know what we're doing.'"

McCullum and Stokes' departures end the 'Bazball' era. Finch added: "As an Australian, you sit back and giggle a little bit because at different times we've been in that position as well." Atherton asked if any Australia teams had curfews; Finch replied "Never," adding from the outside "it has looked like a bit of a mess."