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Follow UsEngland’s Test head coach, Brendon McCullum, has now been handed over the coaching reins of the white-ball team as well, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on September 3 (Tuesday). The former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter takes over from Matthew Mott.
McCullum would be in charge of both the Test and limited-overs teams from January 2025, coinciding with England's white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy. McCullum’s new three-year deal will go on till the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Marcus Trescothick, England’s interim head coach for the upcoming series against Australia, will continue to oversee the white-ball unit until the end of this year. England are also scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is in the West Indies in October-November.
England won the 2022 T20 World Cup under Mott but were way below par in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. As a result, the 50-year-old was sacked from his role.
McCullum has reinvigorated England's Test set-up alongside captain Ben Stokes since 2022 and will seek to bring his attacking "Bazball" approach to the limited-overs teams. England are currently ranked seventh in ODIs and fourth in the T20I standings.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I'm excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides. This new challenge is something I'm ready to embrace, and I'm eager to work closely with Jos [Buttler] and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place,” said McCullum.
"The talent within English cricket is immense, and I'm looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. My goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where we can continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.
"Rob Key's vision for the future of English cricket is something that really resonated with me. The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense. I'm energised by the prospect of guiding both teams and am grateful for the support from the ECB and my family as I take on these added responsibilities."
When McCullum took charge of England's Test side in May 2022 they were at a low ebb, with just one in 17 games. But under his leadership they have won 19 of their 28 Tests since and have scored at a remarkably rapid rate.
England’s director of men's cricket, Rob Key, said, “I'm delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England. I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket. Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way.
"For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January. The timing of the schedule (from January) will allow him to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we're confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff."
Chris Silverwood's sacking after the 2021/22 Ashes was followed by an acceptance that the unrelenting timetable of international cricket, with some Test and white-ball assignments overlapping, was too much for one head coach. But with England's fixture programme looking more manageable for the next couple of years, McCullum, who still lives in New Zealand, has agreed to extend his role.
(With inputs from AFP)
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