The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has drawn criticism for announcing the sacking of men's Test coach Brendon McCullum during the women's team's historic Test match against India at Lord's.
The announcement was made midway through the third day of the women's Test, prompting accusations that the ECB deliberately sought to overshadow the women's event. Sports reporter Elizabeth Ammon wrote on X that the board and its appointed personnel had "literally done their very, very best this summer to overshadow everything the women tried to do."
Former England women's cricketer Alex Hartley also voiced her disapproval on the BBC's Test Match Special. "It just doesn't make sense, wait until Tuesday," Hartley stated. "This game is done in the fact that England aren't going to win this Test match, but there's a Test match to save. It's historic. There's an ODI series starting Tuesday and I completely understand that they want to get the news out before then but, I'm sorry, there's something more important for me and women's cricket."
The controversy coincided with the England women's team facing a significant defeat. After scoring 170 in their first innings, they were set a target of 457 to win. Their second innings saw a collapse, with Tammi Beaumont dismissed for a first-ball duck, and the team was eventually bowled out for 187, losing by 270 runs.
During the match, footage of fast bowler Issy Wong solving a Rubik's Cube went viral. Wong was seen celebrating after completing the puzzle while her team struggled. The clip drew mixed reactions on social media, with some questioning the team's demeanor during a heavy defeat. Broadcaster Piers Morgan weighed in on X, stating, "Wrong stuff. If a male player did this while England were being thrashed, all hell would break loose."
Morgan also dismissed Hartley's comments, calling them "a load of tosh" and remarking, "The England women's team were so interested in their own Test match they were playing Rubik's cubes and throwing shirts over fans."
McCullum's departure follows a disappointing run of form for the men's Test side, including a 2-1 series defeat at home to New Zealand and England's Ashes loss. His tenure produced 27 wins, 20 defeats, and two draws in 49 Tests. He expressed pride in the team's achievements but stated he respected the ECB's decision, adding that his focus would now be on England's white-ball teams. Andy Flower is considered a favorite to replace McCullum for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in August.