Ashes: Geoffrey Boycott slams ECB for not sacking coach McCullum after Test debacle

Former England captain and legendary batter Geoffrey Boycott slammed ECB chief executive Richard Gould and managing director Rob Key over the review into England's Ashes defeat earlier in the summer.

Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott launched a blistering attack on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), calling for sweeping changes in the wake of England's humiliating 4-1 defeat in the Ashes in Australia.

In a strongly worded column, Boycott criticised the ECB's decision to retain head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key after a review of the disastrous tour. He questioned the lack of accountability at the top level, suggesting that "most of the ECB hierarchy should be sacked" for presiding over one of England's poorest Ashes campaigns in recent memory.

Boycott did not hold back in his assessment of the leadership, branding McCullum and Key as "incompetent" and accusing them of having "sabotaged" England's chances in Australia. He also took aim at ECB chief executive Richard Gould, questioning his judgment in persisting with the current leadership group despite clear failings.

"Like me, cricket supporters will be asking how McCullum and Key could make so many bad decisions on the Australian tour and yet the chief executive of English cricket decides there is no need to make any changes. Where is the accountability?" Boycott wrote.

While acknowledging McCullum's role in transforming England into an aggressive and entertaining side, Boycott argued that the approach had led to complacency within the squad. He warned that the emphasis on a "free-spirited" environment had removed the competitive edge required to succeed in Test cricket.

"In trying to create a free-spirited team, he has made them too comfortable and complacent. They know they will not get dropped, whatever their performances or conduct on or off the field," Boycott said.