London: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has sacked Brendon McCullum as England’s Test head coach, although he will continue to lead the national white-ball teams until the end of next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The decision leaves England’s Test team searching for both a new captain and head coach following the recent retirement of Ben Stokes, and comes three months after the ECB publicly backed McCullum despite England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
McCullum admitted he was “underwhelmed” by the decision, but accepted the ECB’s stance.
“Obviously I haven’t moved on, but I respect the result. My focus now is to give everything I’ve got to the white-ball teams and help England progress. The Test team is nothing but success,” McCullum said.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould has previously expressed confidence in McCullum, insisting in March that the former New Zealand captain could learn from England’s disappointing Ashes campaign.
However, following a 2-1 home Test series loss to New Zealand, the board decided to switch to the Ashes next summer.
“Brendon has breathed new life into the England men’s Test team during an exciting period that has seen some fantastic success and we are grateful for all he has brought to the role,” Gould said.
“We now believe the time is right to make changes to the Test squad with the aim of winning the Ashes series next summer.”
McCullum was appointed as England’s Test coach in 2022 and, along with Stokes, transformed the side’s approach with aggressive cricket that saw them win 10 of their first 11 Tests.
However, activity in the UK has declined significantly over the past year. McCullum left without a Test series win against Australia or India.
His overall record stands at 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats, with England losing seven of the last nine Tests under his leadership.
Ironically, both of McCullum’s tenures began and ended in his home Test series against New Zealand. England beat the Black Caps 3-0 in their first match to end Stokes’ Test captaincy before suffering a 2-1 defeat last month.
Following England’s heavy defeat at Trent Bridge, McCullum insisted his commitment to English cricket had “never wavered” and he expected to remain in charge. Less than two weeks later, the ECB confirmed his departure from the Test role.
England managing director Rob Key extended McCullum’s responsibilities to include white-ball teams when he renews his contract until the end of 2027.
Despite losing Test status, the 43-year-old will continue to oversee England’s limited-overs side through the 2027 50-over World Cup in South Africa.
The ECB confirmed that the search for McCullum’s successor will begin immediately, with the appointment marking a return to the split coaching structure previously used between 2022 and 2024.
Announced contestants include Andrew Flintoff, Richard Dawson, Ryan Campbell and Justin Langer.
Key praised McCullum’s contribution, describing it as an “absolute privilege” to work with him, and said that despite recent setbacks he has the Test team “well set up and ready to achieve great things”.
Harry Brook is widely regarded as the leading candidate to succeed Stokes as Test captain, although it is up to the ECB to decide whether he should lead the team across all formats.
McCullum quit the Test team just days after England’s 4-0 T20I series sweep of India, a result that lifted them to the top spot in the ICC T20I rankings.
Reflecting on his skills as a Test coach, McCullum said he was proud of what the team had achieved.
“I’ve loved coaching the Test team and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” McCullum said.
“There have been incredible highs and some tough days, but that’s part of taking on a challenge like this. It’s a privilege and an honor, and I’m grateful. Thank you to the players, staff and fans who have supported us on the journey.
“There is nothing but success for the Test team. There is a lot of talent in that dressing room and they are special boys. I will always be rooting for the boys, with a smile on my face, hoping they will continue to play. I know they will continue to make people proud,” he concluded.