'Communication hasn't been great for me either' - Reece Topley latest to comment against England management

Fast bowler Reece Topley has joined Liam Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow in speaking against the England regime run under the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key.

Earlier this month, Livingstone criticised the ‘Bazball’ regime and called his time with the team during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as one of his worst in his international career. The spin-bowling all-rounder was dropped from the white-ball setup without much communication. 

Topley echoed his former teammate’s claims, suggesting that the management has not been open to him as well regarding his spot in the team. The 32-year-old called out the current regime as one without any managerial skills.

“I think Liam Livingstone has been a bit kind with his views on the England management; shall we leave it like that? But I'm not surprised by what he said. The communication hasn't been great for me, either. But when you appoint a manager who has no experience of management, what do you expect?” Topley said to The Cricketer magazine. 

Topley has gone on to play 65 times for England across two white-ball formats, taking 80 wickets. The left-arm seamer last represented the Three Lions back in December 2024 during their tour to the West Indies. Whilst playing in the first T20I in Bridgetown, the tall fast bowler suffered a knee injury, which saw him bowl just 2.4 overs. He most recently played five games for the Sydney Thunder at the 2025-26 Big Bash League, taking five wickets along the way.

The management under McCullum has faced a lot of criticism, not only for their performances on the pitch but also for their behaviour off it. England suffered a huge 4-1 defeat in the Ashes at the hands of arch-rivals Australia. 

Harry Brook, England’s white-ball captain, also had a confrontation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand, a day before their ODI against the Black Caps in Wellington. 

Despite all the negative press coming out of the England camp, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to keep coach McCullum in his role for the upcoming home summer.