Brendon McCullum has been sacked as Test head coach following a tumultuous summer for the England cricket team
In a statement on Sunday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced: ‘Brendon McCullum will stand down as England Men’s Test Head Coach but continue to lead the England Men’s White Ball teams.
‘McCullum’s tenure as Test Head Coach will come to an end after four years in charge, having led the England team through one its most exciting and progressive periods in its Test playing history.
‘The process to recruit a new Head Coach for the England Men’s Test team will now begin.’
The news comes just two weeks after England captain Ben Stokes announced he was retiring from international cricket.
Stokes walked away from the game after he missed the second Test of the series against New Zealand in June, following an incident at a London nightclub after the first Test.
McCullum, famed for his ‘Bazball’ approach to the game, said: ‘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.
‘It’s been a privilege and an honour, and I’m grateful. Grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who supported us on the journey.
‘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.
‘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. I know they’ll continue to make people proud.’
While McCullum’s appointment and introduction of ‘Bazball’ initially turned around Eng;and’s fortunes, the Three Lions have lost seven of their past nine Tests and failed to regain the Ashes in Australia earlier this year.
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