​SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — Brendon McCullum has been relieved of his duties as England’s test cricket coach after four years at the helm, though he will continue to oversee the national side in the Twenty20 and One-Day International formats. The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Sunday that McCullum would stand down from the longest format, with the New Zealander indicating in an ECB statement that he was “gutted not to be continuing” with the Test team, hinting that the decision came from higher up within the organization. “But I respect the decision,” McCullum added. “My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward.”
The timing of the announcement followed England’s recent series defeat to New Zealand, their first home series loss in a three-test or longer sequence since 2012. That setback came on the back of a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, a campaign that drew intense scrutiny over the team’s professionalism and consistency. Departures continued as Ben Stokes also stepped away from international cricket after the New Zealand series, and now McCullum’s exit signals what some have described as the end of the so‑called “Bazball” era—a period defined by aggressive, high-risk cricket that entertained but also exposed some vulnerabilities in England’s red-ball setup.
“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,” said Richard Gould, the ECB chief executive. “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.” The ECB has described the Bazball era—the era McCullum’s leadership instilled, characterized by fearless and attacking play—as one of the most “exciting and progressive periods” in England’s Test history.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team,” added ECB director Rob Key, “to one the players have loved, and to see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England men’s teams for years to come.” He left the Test squad well-placed and ready to achieve great things, according to the ECB.
McCullum reflected on his tenure, acknowledging that the journey brought “some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this.” He offered his best wishes to the team, noting: “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 group 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.”
England’s forthcoming Test assignment is a series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin next month. McCullum has maintained his dual role in white-ball cricket since January 2025, balancing responsibilities across both the T20 and ODI formats while stepping away from the managerial duties of the Test side. In the meantime, England’s T20 outfit recently swept India 4-0 on home soil, ascending to the No. 1 ranking in Twenty20 cricket—an achievement that underscores the strength of the white-ball program during McCullum’s expansive influence.
As the red-ball project enters a transition phase, the ECB faces the task of identifying a new leadership approach for Test cricket that preserves the momentum generated during McCullum’s tenure while adapting to the evolving demands of the game. The broader cricketing world will be watching closely as England recalibrates after a period defined by bold intent, high-octane cricket, and the twin pressures of maintaining competitiveness in the Ashes while continuing the success of the one-day and Twenty20 teams.