Brendon McCullum has left his role as England’s Test head coach but will remain in charge of the white-ball set-up.
McCullum has paid the price for a poor run of red-ball form with a 4-1 defeat in last winter’s Ashes followed by a 2-1 home loss to New Zealand last month, which occurred amid the backdrop of another off-the-field incident under the watch of the Kiwi coach.
Ben Stokes announced his international retirement midway through defeat at Trent Bridge and that will prove the final Test of McCullum’s England red-ball tenure.
It started in extraordinary fashion in 2022 with ‘Bazball’ taking the cricket world by storm. England’s bold and fresh attack-minded approach under McCullum and Stokes led to 3-0 series wins over New Zealand and in Pakistan, where 500 runs were scored in one day, before a thrilling 2-2 home Ashes in 2023, but the trajectory soon changed.
A 4-1 thumping in India two years ago exposed England’s stubborn and at times naive mantra and along with multiple disciplinary issues, McCullum has lost his Test role months after the overseas Ashes were lost in 11 days during an abject tour of Australia.
It leaves England in need of a new head coach and captain for red-ball cricket.
Richard Gould, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s chief executive officer, said: “Brendon breathed new life into England men’s Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories and we’re grateful for all he has given to the role.
“We now believe that the time is right to make a change for the Test team as we target victory in the Ashes next summer.”
McCullum, who took on the white-ball role in 2024 and will remain in charge of the one-day set-up, won 25 of his 44 Tests and said that while he was “gutted” to leave the Test role, he “respects” the decision to make a change.
“I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. There’ve been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege and an honour, and I’m grateful. Grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who supported us on the journey.
“Of course I’m gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward.
“I wish the Test team nothing but success. There’s a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room and they’re a special bunch of lads.
“I’ll always be backing the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping they keep taking the game on. I know they’ll continue to make people proud.”
