Last Updated on 7 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Brendon McCullum’s time as England men’s Test coach is over. England Cricket announced the news on Sunday, with the search underway for a new coach ahead of their Test series against Pakistan in August.
McCullum began his role in 2022, taking over a team that had won one of its previous 17 Tests. He and Ben Stokes led England to 10 wins in their first 11 Tests, with their attacking style catching teams off guard and leading to excellent results.
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing since, with England winning 17 and losing 19 of their 38 Tests since February 2023. McCullum was somewhat fortunate to keep his position after the 4-1 Ashes defeat down under, but the New Zealand series defeat ramped up the pressure even further. The Trent Bridge debacle was England’s seventh defeat in their last nine Tests, and the board believe now is the time to go in a new direction.
“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,” said CEO Richard Gould in a statement via ecb.co.uk.
Brendon McCullum: Gutted to not be continuing as England Test coach
There has been some conjecture as to whether McCullum stood down or was sacked. England Cricket’s official headline reads that he stood down, but McCullum himself said he’s “gutted” and “respects the decision.”
The former New Zealand keeper-batsman will continue as England’s white-ball coach as he and Harry Brook are forming an excellent partnership. The recent 4-0 demolition of world champions India in the T20I series has led to optimism ahead of the 2027 ODI and 2028 T20 World Cups.
“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,” McCullum 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.”
Reactions: Fans and pundits have their say on England’s decision to part ways with Brendon McCullum in Test cricket
Fans have shared their views on McCullum leaving the role. A common view is that director of cricket Rob Key is fortunate to keep his position after Ben Stokes’s retirement. Another theme is why this took six months following the Ashes debacle.
“The Test coach gets sacked after the captain walked. Meanwhile, the director of cricket, who is yet to publicly comment on either, lives to fight another day. What an absolute shambles of an organisation,” wrote on fan on X.
“A comical waste of the last six months,” wrote another.
