Brendon McCullum steps down as England Test coach, to continue in white-ball role

England's four-year partnership with Ben Stokes, which transformed the team's identity since 2022 but ultimately failed to deliver an Ashes victory, either at home or away, has ended with Brendon McCullum's resignation as Test coach. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Sunday that McCullum will continue as head coach of the men's white-ball teams, but his stint with the Test side has been brought to a close as England begin the search for a successor ahead of next summer's Ashes. McCullum admitted disappointment at the decision but said he respected it. He stated, "I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together." He added, "I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side." "Obviously, I'm devastated that I won't be continuing, but I respect the decision. Now all I want to do is help England keep moving forward and give the White Ball teams everything I have. The decision follows England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year and comes just weeks after Stokes retired from international cricket. After a post-tour review, both men received support from the ECB; however, the Ashes revealed approaches that had been mostly hidden. Ahead of the home summer, Stokes dismissed suggestions of a rift, insisting the pair remained aligned and would simply work together "in a slightly different way" after four years in charge. During the most recent home series against New Zealand, the relationship was put even more to the test. Stokes was investigated after breaching the team's midnight curfew following a nightclub incident and was dropped for the second Test, with neither McCullum nor managing director Rob Key offering the unequivocal public backing. Stokes returned for the series finale at Trent Bridge, where he announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Test. McCullum, who stated after Stokes' retirement that he wanted to lead the Test team forward under a new captain and that his "enthusiasm for English cricket" had "never wavered," will now only do so in limited-overs formats. According to ECB chief executive Richard Gould, "Brendon breathed new life into England Men's Test team during an exciting period that saw some amazing victories, and we're grateful for all he has given to the role." "As we target victory in The Ashes next summer, we now believe that the time is right to make a change for the Test team." In 2022, McCullum, whose contract ends in 2027, was appointed Test coach. He and Stokes introduced an aggressive style of cricket that became known as "Bazball." In September 2024, McCullum's responsibilities expanded when he was handed the white-ball teams as well, replacing Matthew Mott in a move designed to unify England's coaching structure. England reached the semifinals of this year's T20 World Cup under McCullum and Harry Brook as captain. After defeating India 4-0, England moved up to No. 1 in the ICC men's T20I rankings. "Some of England's most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon's leadership of the Test team," managing director Rob Key said. "It's been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team... He leaves the Test team well-prepared and ready to succeed." The ECB said the recruitment process for England's next Test head coach will begin immediately.