Michael Atherton believes the appointment of Brendon McCullum as England's new Test coach "could be an inspired pick", describing the New Zealand legend as the "anti- Chris Silverwood ".
McCullum was unveiled as the new coach on Thursday, replacing Silverwood after he was sacked back in February following England's 4-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes. The appointment is the latest in a raft of changes which have seen Rob Key become Managing Director of England Men's Cricket and Ben Stokes replace Joe Root as Test captain.
And former England skipper Atherton believes the fact that Stokes is now in charge has had a big influence on McCullum getting the job. Writing in the Times, Atherton claimed Key has "selected McCullum very much with Stokes in mind".