ECB sacks Brendon McCullum as England Test coach days after Ben Stokes retires | Cricket News

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday was sacked Brendon McCullum as head coach of England’s men’s Test team.The decision will come later Ben Stokes retired from international cricket after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year and a 2-1 home Test series loss to New Zealand last month. McCullum’s exit ends the Bazball era, despite England’s review of the Ashes series earlier this year backing him and ECB managing director Rob Key.In a statement, the ECB said, “Brendon McCullum will stand down as England Men’s Test Head Coach but will continue to lead the England Men’s White Ball teams.”McCullum has been England’s Test coach since 2022 and is in charge of white-ball teams in 2025.Reacting to the decision, an “angry” McCullum said, “I really enjoy coaching the Test side and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.” There have been some incredible highs and some tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this.“It’s a privilege and an honor, and I’m grateful. Grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who have supported us on the journey.“Of course I’m upset not to continue, but I respect the decision. My focus now is to give everything I have to the White Ball teams and help England move 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 rooting for the boys, with a smile on my face, and hope they keep playing the game. I know they’ll keep making people proud.”Under McCullum, England adopted an attacking style of Test cricket known as “Bazball.” The team made a strong start to its tenure, winning the home Test series against New Zealand (3-0) and South Africa (2-1), before completing a 3-0 away series sweep of Pakistan.However, England could not translate that into success in the World Test Championship. They finished fourth in the 2021-23 cycle, fifth in the 2023-25 ​​cycle and now seventh in the 2025-27 standings.McCullum’s tenure also saw several off-field issues.Limited captains Harry Brook involved in a fight with a bouncer at a Wellington nightclub in 2025. England’s Ashes squad also faced criticism for a trip to Noosa during the Australian series. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson missed the second Test against New Zealand after breaking the team’s curfew.Stokes then retired midway through the third and final Test against the Kiwis following reports that he clashed with McCullum and England managing director, Rob Key.