Brendon McCullum removed as England Test coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Sunday, July 12, confirmed that the England head coach, Brendon McCullum, has been sacked as the red-ball coach. However, he has been retained as the white-ball coach.

Notably, this decision came out after the team’s 1-2 home Test series defeat to New Zealand. After the final Test of the New Zealand series, skipper Ben Stokes also bid adieu to international cricket, ending the Bazball era. 

“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,” England Men’s Cricket Managing Director Rob Key said.

Speaking about McCullum’s numbers as England’s red-ball coach: in 49 Tests, the side mustered 27 wins, suffered 20 defeats, and drew two. However, in their last nine Tests, England suffered seven defeats, including the 1-4 Ashes defeat Down Under.

“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,” McCullum said.

“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 said.

On the other hand, England has left the door open for the former England coach Andy Flower to return as its Test coach.