Brendon McCullum has apologised to England fans for the poor string of Test results that led to his dismissal and said he will work alongside his replacement to ensure all three formats are prioritised in the new setup.
McCullum took charge in the spring of 2022 and quickly restored belief in England’s Test side, winning 11 of his first 13 matches. But a disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, in conjunction with a string of eight losses in the team’s last 12 Tests, brought the ‘Bazball’ era to an end and left England searching for a new red-ball coach.
The New Zealander will remain in his role as white-ball head coach, though, and reiterated his commitment to winning silverware in the shorter formats, with the 50-over World Cup approaching in 2027.
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Brendon McCullum gives his thoughts after being sacked from his role as head coach of the England Test side.
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ECB CEO Richard Gould says the decision that meant Brendon McCullum would leave his role as England Test coach was based on results but insists McCullum has created some ‘amazing’ memories.
“I was disappointed initially but at the same time, it’s a results business,” McCullum said on Sky Sports News of his dismissal.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, and I’ll wear that. Fundamentally, it was a tap on the shoulder, and you crack on.
“I’ve loved my time with the Test team over the past four years – it’s been one of the most enjoyable periods I’ve had in the 20-odd years on the cricketing circuit.
“I’m disappointed for all the fans that we couldn’t get the results that everyone wanted, and I’m sorry for that.
“But at the same time I’ve got an immense amount of enthusiasm and energy for the white-ball job, and looking forward to getting us where we want to get to, which is to win trophies.”
Brendon McCullum will stay on as England white-ball head coach
While McCullum praised his side’s commitment to the attacking brand of cricket which was a trademark of his tenure, he conceded that his philosophy didn’t translate to results in England’s most important series.
“I think we started really well. There was a real fresh identity to what we were trying to achieve. The vision never wavered, but in the end we weren’t able to get the results in the big marquee series – the Ashes and India.
“The results in the last little bit haven’t been up to standard – again, for that, I’m sorry. You just have to accept it and move on. But I want to reiterate how much of an enjoyable time I had – it was a privilege and an honour to be England Test head coach in the time that I was.
“I thank everyone for the support, I wish everyone the best for the future, and I apologise for not getting the results.”
McCullum promises ‘robust conversations’ with new Test head coach
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James Cole breaks down Brendon McCullum’s departure from his role as England Test coach and looks into why ‘something had to give’ for the ECB.
The former New Zealand batter admitted the initial emotional challenge of seeing his successor take on the role he has now vacated, but promised to coordinate with his replacement to ensure all three formats are prioritised in the new England setup.
“I’m sure there will be some robust conversations around [the sharing of players’ time across formats], but whoever the new coach is and myself, we’ll do what’s right for English cricket and what’s best for all three formats to try and achieve harmony and success.
“There’s going to be some give and take around that, and there’s a fair bit of time to pick around staff and things ike that, but as long as we’re all working towards the same goal, I’m sure those conversations will be easily had.
“Initially [it will be hard to see someone in my former role] for sure. I care deeply about all the players and staff that have been a part of the last four years. You just want the best for them and you want to see them reach the potential and the outcomes that everyone wants.
“I wouldn’t say it’s going to be sad – I’ll be watching with a smile on my face and encouraging them to get to the heights that everyone wants them to.”
Hussain: McCullum’s England were joy to watch – but right time to go
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Nasser Hussain has his say on who should be the next England Test coach after Brendon McCullum leaves the role.
Former England Test captain Nasser Hussain, speaking to Sky Sports:
“No one is overly thrilled when a coach loses his job, and you do have to remember the great times that Brendon McCullum gave us,” Hussain added.
“He is a coach that the brand of cricket – ‘Bazball’ – was named after. From where England were before him and Stokes, I think it would be wrong not to mention the way they played at the start. They were an absolute joy to watch.
“In the end, it’s been a run of seven losses in the last nine Test matches, and with the manner of those defeats, I think it was about the right time.
“I don’t think it was the right thing to do for Rob Key to give both the white-ball and the Test jobs to the same person. I think it’s the right thing now for McCullum to focus on white-ball cricket.
“[On Saturday], they won at Southampton, they are the number one T20 ranked team in the world – I think his coaching style is suited for white-ball cricket.
“I do think the timing is right.”
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