ECB sacks McCullum as England Test coach, retains white-ball role

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has dismissed Brendon McCullum as England's Test head coach, although he will continue leading the national white-ball sides until the conclusion of next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

The decision leaves England's Test side searching for both a new captain and head coach following Ben Stokes' recent retirement, and comes just three months after the ECB publicly backed McCullum despite England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

McCullum admitted he was "gutted" by the decision but accepted the ECB's stance.

"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," McCullum said.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould had 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 defeat to New Zealand, the board opted to make a change with next summer's Ashes less than a year away.

"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," Gould said.

"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."

McCullum was appointed England's Test coach in 2022 and, alongside Stokes, transformed the side's approach with an aggressive brand of cricket that produced 10 victories in his first 11 Tests.

However, England's performances declined significantly over the past year. McCullum departs without securing a Test series victory against either Australia or India.

His overall record stands at 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats, with England losing seven of their final nine Tests under his leadership.

Ironically, McCullum's tenure both began and ended with home Test series against his native New Zealand. England swept the Black Caps 3-0 in his first assignment before suffering a 2-1 defeat last month that marked the end of Stokes' Test captaincy.

Following England's heavy defeat at Trent Bridge, McCullum had insisted his commitment to English cricket "has never wavered" and suggested 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 had extended McCullum's responsibilities to include the white-ball teams when renewing his contract until the end of 2027. 

Despite losing the Test position, the 43-year-old will continue overseeing England's limited-overs sides through the 2027 50-over World Cup in southern Africa.

The ECB confirmed 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.

Among the reported contenders are Andrew Flintoff, Richard Dawson, Ryan Campbell and Justin Langer.

Key praised McCullum's contribution, describing it as "an absolute privilege" to work alongside him and saying he leaves the Test side "well set and poised to achieve great things" despite recent setbacks.

Harry Brook is widely considered the leading candidate to succeed Stokes as Test captain, although the ECB must decide whether he should lead the team across all formats.

McCullum's departure from the Test side comes just days after England completed a 4-0 T20I series sweep over India, a result that lifted them to the top of the ICC T20I rankings.

Reflecting on his spell as Test coach, McCullum said he remained immensely proud of what the team achieved.

"I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together," McCullum said. 

"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.

"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 concluded.