Brendon McCullum will step down as England Test head coach.
The New Zealander is set to stay on as white-ball coach, but after four years leading the Test team, it’s over.
It follows Ben Stokes’ decision to retire from international cricket after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
McCullum oversaw an England side that lost 4-1 to Australia Down Under over the winter and were also thumped by the same score against India.
And in a statement, the England and Wales Cricket board [ECB] said: “Brendon McCullum will stand down as England men’s Test head coach but continue to lead the England men’s white ball teams.
“McCullum’s tenure as Test head coach will come to an end after four years in charge, having led the England team through one of its most exciting and progressive periods in its Test playing history.”
It added: “The process to recruit a new head coach for the England men’s Test team will now begin.”
McCullum said: “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.
“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.”
ECB chief executive officer Richard Gould 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.
3
“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.”
England men’s managing director Rob Key added: “Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team, to one the players have loved, and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England Men’s teams for years to come. He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things.”
End of Bazball
Bazball was the term that the media adopted for England under McCullum.
The idea of it was that the England players were encouraged to be aggressive and positive in their actions.
This didn’t mean just in batting but also when fielding and bowling as well.
3
It led to some truly spectacular wins and chases, with England breaking their own record chase twice under McCullum.
It was typified by Zak Crawley slamming Pat Cummins’ first ball of the 2023 Ashes to the fence for four.
Stokes also retired boasting a 54.4 win percentage, the second highest in England’s history.
However, it was all plagued by some terrible results and terrible collapses.
During McCullum’s time as Test coach, England collapsed in various games when on top.
They also didn’t manage to beat Australia or India home and away.
Off-field problems
As well as poor results on the pitch, there were plenty away from it as well.
The England Test team were often criticised for how much golf they played.
While in Australia, the group went to Noosa, which was described as a stag-do in the middle of the tour.
And at the start of the Test series against New Zealand, Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke curfew and stayed out beyond 12am.
They were also in a club at the time of an incident involving a Saracens rugby player and ECB security guard.
That led to both being suspended for a Test before Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket.
talkSPORT view
After the defeat to New Zealand, McCullum insisted that England’s approach to the game wasn’t an issue.
And England legend Steve Harmison called for McCullum to be removed.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Following On, he said: “If he thinks that is the right approach on this pitch…
“Come on Richard Gould, come on Rob Key – you are going to have to do something to stop this.
“Who is he trying to fool?
“McCullum has his way, and he’s brainwashing people.
“If he thinks that is the right way, English cricket is in real trouble unless the powers that be at the top act.”
