England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday (July 12) confirmed that Brendon McCullum will step down as England men’s Test team head coach, following a four-year stint.
While his red-ball tenure has ended, McCullum will remain in his role as the head coach of England’s T20I and ODI teams.
Th former New Zealand captain took charge as head coach of the England men's Test team in 2022. Along with Ben Stokes, he revolutionized red-ball cricket through an aggressive, positive style known as "Bazball".
The decision to stand down follows a humiliating 4-1 Ashes debacle in Australia, a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand, and the sudden international retirement of Stokes.
“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 in a statement issued by the ECB.
“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,” he further stated.
The development comes just one day after McCullum guided England to a 4-0 T20I series sweep over world champions India, thereby propelling the Three Lions to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings.
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. 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 said: “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.”
The ECB will immediately begin a recruitment drive to find a new Test coach.
