Brendon McCullum leaves role as England men’s Test head coach, will continue to lead white ball teams
Updated 12/07/2026 at 19:26 GMT+1
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Brendon McCullum is to stand down as England men’s Test head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Sunday. However, the New Zealander will continue to lead England’s white ball teams.
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The news comes just two weeks after Ben Stokes stood down as England captain and retired from international cricket during England’s third Test against New Zealand, which they lost by 160 runs.
McCullum was the Test side’s head coach for four years, having succeeded interim team manager Paul Collingwood in 2022.
The 44-year-old admitted that he respected the England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision, despite being disappointed.
"I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together," said McCullum.
"There have 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 fallen to defeat in seven of their last nine Tests under McCullum, a run which includes their desperately disappointing 4-1 defeat against Australia in the 2025/26 Ashes Series.
England’s recent 160-run loss against New Zealand saw them fall to a 2-1 series defeat - and there were problems off the pitch too.
Stokes and Gus Atkinson were investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board after an incident at a nightclub, though the cricket regulator eventually found "insufficient evidence" of a breach of ECB regulations.
England will get a three-Test series against Pakistan underway at Headingley on August 19, with further Tests to be played at Lord's and Edgbaston.
Rob Key will remain as England Men’s managing director, and he insists that it has been a privilege to watch McCullum work with the team.
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”Some of England's most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team,” he said.
”It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team, to one the players have loved, and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England Men’s teams for years to come.
”He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things.”
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