England have sacked Brendon McCullum as coach of the men’s Test team – but he will stay on as coach of the one-day and T20 sides.
The New Zealander revolutionised England’s Test game along with captain Ben Stokes after taking the reins in 2022.
But recent results have tailed off and Stokes surprisingly retired from cricket during the recent series against New Zealand.
“I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said McCullum. “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.
“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.”
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould paid tribute to the former New Zealand captain’s work.
“Brendon breathed new life into England’s test side during an exciting period that delivered some memorable victories, and we’re grateful for everything he has given to the role,” Gould said.
England were reborn under McCullum and Stokes – with theor ‘Bazball’ style of attacking play – and won 10 of their first 11 Tests under McCullum and Stokes.
But they tailed off and were soundly thrashed in last year’s Ashes in Australia and suffered from off-field distractions.
A nightclub incident led to Stokes stepping down earlier this summer and leaving England needing a coach and a captain before a Test series against Pakistan in August.
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