Brendon McCullum has been removed as the head coach of England’s Test team with immediate effect. McCullum, however, will continue to steward the Three Lions in both One-Day Internationals and T20Is. England, meanwhile, haven’t named any replacement yet, and the hunt for a new coach for the Test team has already begun.
Having spent close to four years with the Test team as the leader of the backroom staff, McCullum has been surrounded by scrutiny throughout the tenure. He has been lavished with praise by many for a redefined approach to playing the five-day format, while a few have also challenged his tactics and ploys in different conditions, with Ben Stokes being the leader of the side mostly throughout his stint with the side.
“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 an official statement to 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,” he added.
Moving on from the role, McCullum has wished the team a lot of success for the future in the format. He has also acknowledged the talent that the English cricketers, current and future, have in them, adding that he will always be watching them from the sidelines.
“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,” McCullum concluded.
Meanwhile, the team’s managing director, Rob Key, has also come forward to express his vote of thanks to McCullum for his service to the English Test team, adding that England’s most famous achievements have come under his coaching.
“Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team,” Key said in a statement.
Key further added that having McCullum along in the coaching set-up was a privilege, as he changed the mindset of the team to play Test cricket with a fearless approach.
“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,” Key concluded.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the English board, 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.”
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