Brendon McCullum will take full control of England’s men’s international teams from January after the red-ball coach agreed to also assume white-ball duties in what the ECB called “a strategic restructure of the set-up”. McCullum has also extended his contract, which had been due to end after next winter’s Ashes series, to the end of 2027 and the aftermath of that autumn’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The New Zealander took charge of England’s red-ball team in May 2022, and with Ben Stokes as captain transformed their approach and their fortunes: they had won one of their previous 17 games but they have since won 19 out of 28, losing three of 18 at home. But in the same period England’s white-ball fortunes have waned, leading to the dismissal of Matthew Mott as coach last month.
Rob Key decided to separate the Test and limited-overs roles after his appointment as England’s managing director of men’s cricket in April 2022, after eight years in which the teams had been led by a single head coach. Key said an easing of England’s congested schedule was behind his decision to amalgamate them once again.
“Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way,” he said. “For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January.
“The timing of the schedule will allow [McCullum] to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff.”
Marcus Trescothick, who was named interim coach of the white-ball team after Mott’s departure, will lead the side for the series at home to Australia this month and in the West Indies in November. McCullum will take over for January’s tour of India and for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan that follows it.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides,” McCullum said. “This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with Jos [Buttler, England’s white-ball captain] and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.
“Rob Key’s vision for the future of English cricket is something that really resonated with me. The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense. The talent within English cricket is immense, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. My goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where we can continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.”
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It was announced on Tuesday that Lord’s is to host the World Test Championship final next June. India and Australia, who met in the 2023 final at the Oval, lead the standings but England could still qualify should they extend their unbeaten run on this winter’s tours to Pakistan and New Zealand.
