Brendon McCullum is out as England’s Test head coach, ending the Bazball era that reshaped the side under his and Ben Stokes’ leadership. The ECB confirmed the move on Sunday, though McCullum will stay on as white-ball coach.
Bazball architect departs after Ashes heartbreak
Four years of fearless cricket. Zero Ashes wins. That’s the legacy of McCullum’s Test reign, which officially closed after England’s 4-1 drubbing in Australia earlier this year. The ECB now turns its focus to finding a successor ahead of the 2025 Ashes on home soil.
McCullum took the news on the chin. “I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he said. “Of course I’m gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision.”
White-ball future and Stokes’ exit
McCullum’s contract runs until 2027, and his immediate priority shifts to England’s white-ball teams—where he’s already delivered. Under his watch, England reached the T20 World Cup semifinals and hit No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings after a 4-0 thrashing of India.
The decision comes hot on the heels of Stokes’ shock retirement from international cricket, which followed a turbulent home series against New Zealand. Stokes missed the second Test after a curfew breach, and his final act was announcing his exit midway through the Trent Bridge decider.
ECB praises McCullum’s impact
ECB chief Richard Gould hailed McCullum’s tenure: “Brendon breathed new life into England’s Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories.” Managing director Rob Key added: “Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history occurred under his leadership.”
The hunt for England’s next Test coach begins now. The brief? Deliver Ashes glory next summer.
