The four-year alliance between Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, which changed the team’s identity since 2022 but eventually failed to produce an Ashes victory, either at home or away, has come to an end with McCullum’s resignation as England’s Test head coach.
McCullum will remain the head coach of the men’s white-ball teams, according to an announcement made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday. However, his time with the Test squad has come to an end as England starts looking for a replacement ahead of the Ashes next summer.
McCullum acknowledged that he was disappointed by the choice, but he also expressed respect for it.
“I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he stated. “I appreciate the decision, even though I’m devastated not to be continuing. Right now, I’m concentrating on giving the White Ball teams my best and assisting England in continuing its progress.”
Only a few weeks after Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket, the decision comes following England’s 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia earlier this year. After a post-tour assessment, both men were still supported by the ECB, but the Ashes revealed disparities in strategy that had mostly gone unnoticed.
Stokes denied rumors of a falling out ahead of the home summer, saying the two were still on the same page and would just collaborate “in a slightly different way” after four years in charge.
The recent home series against New Zealand put the partnership to the test once more. Following a nightclub incident, Stokes violated the team’s midnight curfew and was suspended for the second Test. Neither McCullum nor managing director Rob Key publicly supported Stokes’ decision. Midway through the Test, Stokes declared his retirement from international cricket when he returned for the series decider at Trent Bridge.
McCullum will now only play in the limited-overs formats. Following Stokes’ retirement, McCullum had stated that his “enthusiasm for English cricket” had “never wavered” and that he intended to lead the Test team under a new captain.
“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,” Richard Gould, chief executive of the ECB, 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.”
Together with Stokes, McCullum, whose contract expires at the end of 2027, brought in an aggressive brand of cricket that became known as “Bazball” in 2022. In an attempt to unify England’s coaching system, McCullum was given the white-ball teams in September 2024, which increased his duties. He took Matthew Mott’s place.
After beating India 4-0, England advanced to the semifinals of this year’s T20 World Cup under McCullum with Harry Brook as captain. They also just rose to the top of the ICC men’s T20I rankings.
“Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team,” stated Rob Key, the managing director. “It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team… He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things.”
The hiring process for England’s new Test head coach will start right away, according to the ECB.
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