Brendon McCullum sacked as England Men’s Test head coach

Brendon McCullum is stepping down as England Men’s Test head coach after four years in charge having overseen an exciting and, at times, controversial period in England’s history. The New Zealander was appointed in May of 2022 in response to England’s 4-0 thrashing in the Ashes in Australia and the subsequent exit of former coach Chris Silverwood. He formed an immediate partnership with new England captain Ben Stokes and the pair implented an aggressive and free-flowing style of play nicknamed ‘Bazball’.

McCullum’s first series saw England defeat New Zealand 3-0 and he orchestrated series victories over South Africa (at home) and Pakistan (away) with the latter being the first time an England side had ever won in a whitewash against Pakistan in their home country. In 2023, McCullum’s men drew a home Ashes series 2-2 before losing against India in an away series. The following year, McCullum was handed the reins of England’s white ball teams alongside his duties at Test Head Coach though the priority was still the 2025/26 Ashes tour of Australia.

That series was a disaster for England, on and off the pitch, as a 4-1 defeat was coupled with reports of a drinking culture within the England dressing room. RecommendedBrendon McCullum swerves question over England’s next Test captainBen Stokes sends final farewell message to England fans after shock international retirementHeather Knight to call time on England career after historic Test against IndiaThough the inquest into England’s defeat during that tour resulted in all the key players maintaining their positions, Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this summer during a 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand and McCullum has now confirmed his exit. The 44-year-old will remain in charge of the limited overs teams having just secured a 4-0 T20I series victory over India on Saturday.

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.”open image in galleryBrendon McCullum's (left) exit follows the retirement of former England captain Ben Stokes (right) (Reuters)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 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.”

The ECB have now begun the process to recruit a new Head Coach for the England Men’s Test team. Join our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments