​Brendon McCullum is stepping away from his role as England Men’s Test head coach after four years, during which he steered the team through a period of notable excitement and controversy in England cricket. The New Zealander was brought in in May 2022 in the wake of England’s 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia and the departure of former coach Chris Silverwood. He quickly formed a strong bond with captain Ben Stokes, and together they championed an adventurous, attacking approach that became known as Bazball.
McCullum’s tenure began with a convincing 3-0 Test series victory over New Zealand, and he then oversaw home wins against South Africa and a whitewash of Pakistan in Pakistan—the first time England had ever won a Test series in Pakistan’s homeland. In 2023, his side drew the home Ashes series 2-2 before suffering a defeat in India on their tour abroad.
The following year, McCullum took on responsibilities with England’s white-ball sides while continuing as Test head coach, though the 2025/26 Ashes tour of Australia remained the priority. That tour proved challenging for England, ending in a 4-1 series defeat and accompanied by media reports about a drinking culture within the dressing room. Although the inquest into that summer’s results supported the core group of players remaining in place, Stokes announced his international retirement earlier this summer during a 2-1 series loss to New Zealand, and McCullum has now confirmed his departure.
At 44, McCullum will continue to oversee England’s limited-overs sides, having just steered them to a 4-0 white-ball series victory over India on the latest weekend. He reflected on his time in charge, saying: “I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. 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. It’s been a privilege and an honour, and I’m grateful—grateful to the players, the staff, and the fans who supported us on the journey. 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. 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, hoping they keep taking the game on. I know they’ll continue to make people proud.”
McCullum’s departure follows the retirement of former England captain Ben Stokes, who hung up his international boots earlier this summer. ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould commented: “Brendan breathed new life into England Men’s Test cricket during an exciting period that produced some remarkable victories, and we’re grateful for all he has contributed. We now believe the time is right to make a change for the Test team as we aim to move forward and continue improving.”