Brendon McCullum has apologised to England supporters after his departure as Test head coach, admitting his side failed to deliver in the series that mattered most and accepting that it is time for someone else to take charge.
McCullum’s four-year tenure officially ended on Sunday after England removed him from the Test role following a disappointing run of results. He will, however, continue as England’s white-ball coach, having taken over the limited-overs teams at the start of 2025.
The former New Zealand captain leaves with a Test record of 27 wins, 20 defeats and two draws. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould said the recent 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand, coupled with the surprise retirement of Test captain Ben Stokes, played a significant role in the decision.
England’s struggles against their biggest rivals also weighed heavily. Under McCullum, England failed to win a Test series against either Australia or India, drawing 2-2 at home against both before suffering heavy 4-1 defeats away in Australia and India.
Speaking ahead of England’s ODI series against India, McCullum admitted he had sensed his future was uncertain during the preceding T20I series but had focused on preparing the team.
“You could see what was unfolding,” McCullum said. “The important thing was to detach from that uncertainty and focus on getting the best out of the players.”
England completed a 4-0 victory in the T20I series, but McCullum revealed he had already been informed that his Test coaching tenure was over.
“I got a tap on the shoulder,” he said. “I was disappointed initially, but I fully respect the decision. We’re in a results business and fundamentally our results weren’t good enough. It’s time for someone else to have a go.”
McCullum acknowledged that England had fallen short in the marquee contests against India and Australia.
“You want to be winning the big series. India and Australia are the marquee series and if you don’t win those, you haven’t achieved what you wanted to. We had opportunities against both, but ultimately the results didn’t match our ambitions.”
Despite the disappointing ending, McCullum said he looked back on his time in charge with pride.
“I’ve absolutely loved the last four years. It’s been one of the biggest highlights of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the relationships built along the way.”
He also thanked the ECB for its support throughout his tenure but stopped short of judging whether his reign had been a success.
“That’s for other people to decide,” he said. “I wanted the best outcome for English cricket. We just weren’t able to win those big series against India and Australia and for that I can only say sorry.”
McCullum will now turn his full attention to England’s white-ball programme, where he hopes to build on the progress made in Twenty20 cricket while rebuilding the ODI side ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup.
“The T20 side is in a good place and we’ve got work to do with the one-day team,” he said. “I’m excited by the challenge. We have an opportunity to become genuine contenders for the World Cup and that’s where my focus is now.”
Meanwhile, the ECB has begun the search for a new Test head coach, with former England coach Andy Flower reportedly among the leading candidates. Whoever is appointed will work alongside McCullum as England continues to manage its Test and limited-overs programmes under separate coaching structures.
