Brendon McCullum removed as England Test coach, remains white-ball boss
Brendon McCullum has been removed as England men's Test head coach by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), ending his four-year spell in charge of the red-ball side. The New Zealander will continue as England's white-ball coach, with the ECB confirming it will begin the search for a new Test head coach immediately.
The decision follows a difficult period for England's Test side. After transforming the team with the aggressive "Bazball" approach following his appointment in 2022, England's recent results declined, including a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand. Meanwhile, McCullum has enjoyed greater success with the white-ball teams, guiding England to a 4-0 T20I series win over India and back to the top of the ICC T20I rankings.
What Led To This Decision
McCullum inherited a struggling Test side in 2022 after England had won only one of their previous 17 Tests. Together with captain Ben Stokes, he immediately changed the team's style, winning 11 of his first 13 Tests and introducing an attacking brand of cricket that became known worldwide as "Bazball".
However, England's momentum faded over the past year. According to Sky Sports, the side lost eight of its last 12 Tests, while the heavy Ashes defeat in Australia was followed by a home series loss to New Zealand. Those results, alongside the recent retirement of Test captain Ben Stokes, prompted the ECB to reset the Test programme ahead of next summer's Ashes.
“Brendon breathed new life into England Men's Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories. 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.”
— ECB chief executive Richard Gould.
Reaction From McCullum and ECB
McCullum said he was "gutted" to leave the Test role but accepted the ECB's decision. He thanked the players and staff, saying he would continue supporting England cricket through his ongoing white-ball responsibilities. Managing director Rob Key praised McCullum for changing the team's mindset and delivering some of England's most memorable Test victories, while stressing that the timing was right for a fresh direction.
The decision marks the end of one of the most influential coaching partnerships in England's recent Test history. McCullum and Stokes took charge during a period of upheaval following Joe Root's resignation as captain and Chris Silverwood's departure as coach. Their aggressive philosophy revitalised England initially, although results against the strongest opposition became increasingly inconsistent.
| Stats | |
|---|---|
| Test coaching tenure | 2022–2026 (four years). |
| Best early run | England won 11 of McCullum's first 13 Tests. |
| Recent Test form | England lost eight of their last 12 Tests before the coaching change. |
| Current role | Remains England men's white-ball head coach after a 4-0 T20I series win over India. |
What Happens Next
The ECB has started the recruitment process for a new England men's Test head coach, with managing director Rob Key overseeing the search. England's next Test assignment is scheduled against Pakistan, while McCullum will remain in charge of the ODI and T20 sides as England continue preparations for future ICC events.
The coaching change closes the Test chapter of the Bazball era but not McCullum's involvement with England cricket. His immediate focus shifts to the white-ball programme, while the ECB begins planning for the next phase of its Test team ahead of the 2027 Ashes cycle.