Brendon McCullum Steps Down as England Test Coach, Continues White-Ball Role

Brendon McCullum has stepped down as England’s Test head coach but will continue leading the national white-ball teams, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced.

The decision follows a difficult run in red-ball cricket, with England losing seven of their last nine Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand. Both series were overshadowed by allegations surrounding the team’s drinking culture. McCullum, who transformed England’s Test approach after taking charge in 2022, said he was “gutted” not to continue but respected the ECB’s decision.

His final Test in charge came at Trent Bridge, where former captain Ben Stokes announced his international retirement.