England sacks Brendon McCullum as Test coach after four-year 'Bazball' era, retains him for white-ball duties

End of the Bazball era

England on Sunday ended Brendon McCullum's four-year tenure as men's Test coach, a decision the New Zealander said left him "gutted." The move came two weeks after a 2-1 home series defeat by New Zealand (England's first home loss in a series of three or more Tests since 2012) and the subsequent international retirement of captain Ben Stokes. McCullum was appointed in May 2022 alongside Stokes, inheriting a team that had won only one of its previous 17 Tests.

I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. 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.

The partnership produced an aggressive, free-flowing style christened "Bazball" that delivered immediate results: England won 10 of their first 11 Tests under McCullum and Stokes, including a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan and a famous win over India at Edgbaston. However, returns diminished sharply thereafter. According to The Guardian, McCullum's final record stands at 27 wins, 20 defeats and two draws from 49 Tests, with only three victories in his last 11 matches in charge.

Recent struggles and off-field controversy

The 2025-26 Ashes tour of Australia proved especially damaging. England lost the series 4-1, a campaign marred by what the BBC described as "inadequate planning, poor performances and allegations of a drinking culture." Multiple outlets reported on a drinking incident in Noosa involving opener Ben Duckett. The ECB conducted an inquest into the tour but retained all key personnel at that time. The subsequent 2-1 defeat to New Zealand at home, during which Stokes announced his international retirement, sealed McCullum's fate.

Brendon breathed new life into England's test side during an exciting period that delivered some memorable victories, and we're grateful for everything he has given to the role. We now believe that the time is right to make a change for the test team as we target victory in the Ashes next summer.

White-ball success preserved

Despite losing the Test role, McCullum will continue as head coach of England's white-ball teams (ODI and T20). The timing of the announcement, one day after England completed a 4-0 T20 series victory over world champions India, was noted as curious by several outlets. That series win lifted England to number one in the T20 world rankings. McCullum had absorbed the white-ball responsibilities in 2024 while keeping his Test duties, and the ECB statement framed the split as enabling a fresh approach for the red-ball side ahead of next summer's Ashes.

What comes next

England's next Test assignment is a three-match series against Pakistan starting in August and September. McCullum will not be involved in preparations. In his statement, the 44-year-old said he respected the decision and would now focus on "giving everything I've got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward." ECB director Rob Key praised McCullum for shaping the team's mentality and developing a new generation of talent.

I wish the Test team nothing but success. There's a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room and they're a special bunch of lads. I'll always be backing the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping they keep taking the game on.

The identity of McCullum's successor as Test coach was not announced. Harry Brook, England's white-ball captain, has been backed by Stokes as a potential Test captaincy successor.