Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Jul 12: Brendon McCullum has stepped down as England's head coach for the Test team but will continue to oversee the country's white-ball sides in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Sunday.
The decision comes a day after England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket, leaving the side without both a captain and a head coach ahead of its next Test assignment.
"I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together," McCullum said in a statement.
"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. 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.
McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, took charge of England's Test team in 2022 under a four-year contract. Alongside Ben Stokes, he introduced the attacking style of play popularly known as "Bazball", which transformed England's approach to Test cricket.
The partnership enjoyed immediate success, with England winning 10 of their first 11 Tests under McCullum's leadership.
However, the team's fortunes declined in recent years. England suffered a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, were held to a 2-2 home series draw against India last year, and lost seven of their last nine Test matches. They also endured a 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand.
England's difficulties were compounded by an off-field controversy involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson, followed by Stokes' unexpected retirement from international cricket.
With a Test series against Pakistan scheduled to begin on August 19, England are now expected to appoint a new captain and head coach. Harry Brook is widely tipped to succeed Stokes as Test captain, while media reports have named Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty and Andrew Flintoff among the leading contenders to replace McCullum. Former England coach Andy Flower has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.