Brendon McCullum has been sacked as Test coach in another staggering twist in the unravelling of the England team.
Two weeks after Ben Stokes made the stunning announcement to step down as captain and retire from international cricket, McCullum’s exit brings a definitive end to the Bazball era.
The New Zealander will continue as England’s white-ball coach, but leaves the Test team following a string of poor results and several off-field incidents.
Director of cricket Rob Key will remain in his position, with the decision to remove McCullum coming after the hierarchy of the England and Wales Cricket Board spent time reflecting on the situation surrounding the men’s team.
“I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said McCullum. “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.
“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.”
England have lost seven of their past nine Tests, including the 4-1 Ashes hammering in Australia.
McCullum, Stokes and Key were backed to remain in charge following that defeat, only for England to be beaten 2-1 by New Zealand.
The defeat by the Black Caps – England’s first in a home series of at least three Tests for 14 years – was overshadowed by a nightclub incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson, then Stokes’ abrupt retirement.
Now, the England Test team has no head coach and no captain, with the next series against Pakistan beginning on 19 August.
Harry Brook appears favourite to be named as Test captain, though that appointment could now hinge on the identity of the next head coach.
Since 1999, England have had only two English head coaches of the Test team. Peter Moores did the job twice, while Chris Silverwood was McCullum’s predecessor.
Zimbabwean Andy Flower, who was in charge when England won the Ashes in Australia in 2010-11, would be the standout candidate to replace McCullum, though it is not known if he could be lured from the franchise world.
