England coach Brendon McCullum says the team’s biggest issue after consecutive eight-wicket defeats to Australia in the Ashes isn’t technical — it’s exhaustion from too much training.

With England needing to win all three remaining Tests to reclaim the Ashes, McCullum wants his players to step back, relax and recover at one of Australia’s top beach destinations.

Speaking to broadcasters from both Australia and the U.K., McCullum said the heavy loss in Perth followed by over-preparation ahead of the Brisbane day-night Test left the squad drained.

“Going into this Test, I think we overprepared,” he told Australia’s 7 network after Sunday’s defeat at the Gabba. “We had five very demanding training days. In the middle of a tough series, sometimes the key is to stay fresh and keep your mind clear.

“The boys need a break. We’ll adjust our training approach, take a breather after a hectic couple of weeks, and start planning our way back.”

The third Test begins Dec. 17 in Adelaide, where Australia needs only a draw to retain the urn.

In the opening two matches, England surrendered promising positions due to wayward bowling, rash batting and dropped catches. The coaching setup has also been criticized for scheduling just one warm-up game and for sticking too rigidly to an aggressive style rather than adapting to conditions.

Australia crush England in Brisbane to take lead in Ashes

McCullum urged his team to stay mentally strong.

“The message from me and the captain is simple: you can’t sulk in Australia,” he said. “You can’t have a glass jaw here. You’ve got to stand firm, take a few blows and keep moving forward.”

England hasn’t won an Ashes Test in Australia since 2010–11, something McCullum and captain Ben Stokes are determined to change.

Stokes fought back with a gritty half-century on Sunday, putting on 96 with Will Jacks in a more traditional Test approach that briefly slowed Australia’s charge.

Stokes said England has the talent to win but must perform better in pressure moments.

“When it’s not about skill, you have to dig deeper and figure out why we’re falling short in big moments,” he said. “Australia keep outdoing us when the heat is on.”

He acknowledged the tough Australian conditions — the harsh sun, the bouncy pitches and the lively crowds.

“Australia isn’t a place for the weak — we’re not weak,” Stokes said. “But we need to find answers quickly. We’re 2-0 down with three to play, and we’re not backing away from the fight. We just need to sort out what’s gone wrong and do it fast.”