Despite a challenging Ashes series in Australia, England cricket captain Ben Stokes remains resolute about continuing his partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum, firmly believing they are the right leaders to guide the national team forward.

Stokes, speaking candidly after England's series defeat, expressed unwavering confidence in their leadership approach. "There is no doubt in my mind that me and Brendon are the right people to carry on doing this for the near future," he stated, emphasizing their shared vision for English cricket.

The duo, who united in 2022 and have contracts extending to 2027, have experienced a rollercoaster journey. While they began impressively by winning 10 of their first 11 Tests, their recent performance has been more mixed, with 16 wins and 16 losses in their past 34 Test matches.

McCullum's expanded role, which now includes leadership of England's white-ball teams, has not deterred Stokes, who dismissed concerns about potential distractions. "He has got two jobs to do now," Stokes explained. "It has not influenced the relationship we have with this Test team whatsoever."

The upcoming Sydney Test represents an opportunity for redemption, with England having already secured a memorable victory in Melbourne - their first in Australia in nearly 15 years. The team has named a 12-man squad including spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, demonstrating their commitment to strategic renewal.

Looking ahead, Stokes is determined to break the cycle of constant management changes that have historically followed poor Ashes performances. "If you do what we did four years ago, we'll just end up back in the same situation," he cautioned, signaling a desire for consistent, patient development.

As the series concludes, the England cricket establishment faces crucial decisions about its leadership and direction. However, with Stokes and McCullum's mutual dedication and clear strategic vision, there's a sense of optimism about the team's potential for future success.