McCullum sacked as England Test head coach
BBC News 2026-07-12 12:58:16
Context: Brendon McCullum has been sacked as England's Test head coach, marking the end of the Bazball era, following a string of poor results and off-field incidents. McCullum will continue as England's white-ball coach, while director of cricket Rob Key will remain in his position. The decision comes after a tumultuous period for the England team, including the recent resignation of captain Ben Stokes and a series of disappointing performances.
Key Facts
- Brendon McCullum was appointed as England's Test head coach in May 2022 and has now been sacked, but will continue as the team's white-ball coach.
- England have lost seven of their past nine Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 loss to New Zealand, which was marked by a nightclub incident involving captain Ben Stokes and player Gus Atkinson.
- McCullum's contract with the white-ball team runs until the end of the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa next autumn, and he will focus on helping the team move forward in this format.
- The England Test team is now without a head coach and captain, with the next series against Pakistan beginning on 19 August, and Harry Brook is considered a favourite to be named as the new Test captain.
- Since 1999, England have had only two English head coaches of the Test team, Peter Moores and Chris Silverwood, and potential candidates to replace McCullum include Zimbabwean Andy Flower, Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson, and Surrey's Gareth Batty.