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2w ago

McCullum Sacked as England Test Coach

The ECB removed Brendon McCullum after a run of poor Test results and disciplinary incidents, and has opened a rapid search for a successor ahead of August’s Pakistan series.

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Cricket - England v New Zealand - Third Test - Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - June 29, 2026 England head coach Brendon McCullum during the press conference after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
McCullum spent more than four years in charge of England's Test team (Photo: Getty)
Brendon McCullum is to stand down as England men's Test coach after four years in charge, but will continue his role with the white-ball sides.

Overview

  • The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Sunday that McCullum will stand down as the men’s Test head coach while remaining in charge of England’s ODI and T20 teams.
  • The decision follows a decline in Test form — including a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a home series loss to New Zealand — together with several off-field disciplinary episodes that increased pressure on team leadership.
  • Ben Stokes’ shock retirement two weeks earlier removed the long-standing on-field partner to McCullum and left England temporarily without a Test captain as the coaching vacancy emerged.
  • The ECB has begun recruiting a new Test head coach with England’s three-match series against Pakistan starting at Headingley on August 19 set as the first assignment for any new appointment.
  • McCullum leaves after four years in charge with a near-even Test record and a legacy that reshaped England’s approach to the red ball, while he will continue to build on recent white-ball success including England’s top T20 ranking after a 4–0 win over India.