Brendon McCullum’s latest absurd claim should spell the end of his tenure

When director of cricket Rob Key held media briefings in Melbourne last month, referring to a video of players drinking on the night that Brook later discussed heavily in terms of safety, he said: “There was no such action as an official action. I didn’t think it was worthy of official warnings. But it was probably worthy of unofficial warnings.”

But there was still official action. Brook was fined around £30,000 ($60,000), the maximum possible, by the ECB following his actions on the evening of Key’s speech. So why didn’t Key explain this? Why was there an open Omerta about the incident for over two months?

There has been an incredible response here in Australia; one report directed tensions at “senior British officials who approved the cover-up.” It highlights the extent of the governing body’s discomfort with the problems the Brook story raises, not just culturally but also institutionally.

The fiasco is most vividly embodied in McCullum. It’s not just that the 44-year-old New Zealander has presided over a chaotic tour, his reaction to losing 4-1 in the Ashes was casual, “It’ll be right, mate” nonchalance. He was adamant following the defeat in Sydney that he “doesn’t like being told what to do” and was quick to answer a perfectly reasonable question about whether he might change his ways.

His behavior during the match, chewing gum and throwing his feet over the balcony railings became the symbol of the disgrace of the establishment. Since this was the only angle from which viewers could see her, someone would have had to offer to sponsor the soles.

Except that the power base he has established is unstable. It was notable that Ben Stokes distanced himself from the deluded manager by emphasizing the “damage we have done to ourselves” and his regrets about “contributing to our own downfall”.

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Bazball Kool-Aid is now a tasteless potion and the need for change is obvious. We’re no longer in the 1980s, when booze leftovers were an accepted part of the tour tapestry. This is an era where the best teams do everything possible to win, from data analysts to watt bikes to cryotherapy chambers. It is inexcusable that McCullum neglected even the absolute basics, failing to appoint a fielding coach or planning for dry runs suitable for the conditions England would face in Australia.

There is no shortage of candidates to replace him. Justin Langer looks desperate for the job and has such praise for Jacob Bethell – “dare I say it, I love him” – that he would clearly jump at the chance to coach England’s last captain. A more radical option would be to empty the bank if Ricky Ponting, whose keen insight into England’s failings has been a highlight of Ashes commentary, is open to the opportunity.

With McCullum already talking about his resistance to change, it’s painfully clear that no matter who comes out ahead, the incumbent won’t be able to stay. If he refuses to change, it is the person who needs to change.