Brendon McCullum has left his role as England Men’s Test head coach after four years in charge.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the decision after England’s disappointing 2025 and 2026 Ashes tour in Australia. The move also comes after former captain Ben Stokes retired from international cricket earlier this summer.
McCullum will remain in charge of England’s white ball teams. He recently guided the side to a 4-0 T20I series win over India.
“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,” said McCullum.
“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 bunch 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.”
ECB chief executive Richard Gould also thanked McCullum for his work.
Gould said, “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. 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.”
England Men’s managing director Rob Key praised McCullum’s impact on the team.
“Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team. It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team, to one the players have loved, and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England Men’s teams for years to come. He leaves the Test team well set and poised to achieve great things,” Key added.
McCullum became England’s Test coach in May 2022 after the team suffered a 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia. He replaced Chris Silverwood and formed a successful partnership with Ben Stokes.
Together they introduced an attacking style of cricket that became known as Bazball.
England won McCullum’s first Test series 3-0 against New Zealand. They also beat South Africa at home and completed their first ever 3-0 Test series sweep in Pakistan.
England later drew the 2023 Ashes series 2-2 at home but lost away to India.
The biggest setback came in the 2025 and 2026 Ashes. England lost the series 4-1 in Australia. Reports of a poor dressing room culture also added to the disappointment.
The ECB have now started the search for a new head coach for England’s Test team.
