'Gutted' Brendon McCullum sacked as England cricket test match coach

Brendon McCullum is to stand down as England's cricket test match coach, it has been announced.

McCullum, the architect of the so-called "Bazball" approach to playing the game, was appointed alongside former test captain ​Ben Stokes in 2022.

He will continue as the head coach of the England's men's one-day and Twenty20 teams, and made it clear that ending his spell as test coach was not his decision.

"It's been a privilege and an honour, and I'm grateful," said McCullum. "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."

It comes weeks after England lost a home test series 2-1 against New Zealand, during which Stokes announced his retirement during the fourth day of the third Test at Trent Bridge.

It was their first home series loss since McCullum and Stokes took charge, but followed the dismal 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia in the winter.

McCullum said: "I've absolutely loved coaching the test team and I'm incredibly ‌proud of what we've achieved together.

"There have been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but ⁠that's all part of taking ​on a challenge like this."

England Cricket Board (ECB) ​chief executive Richard Gould paid tribute ​to the former New Zealand captain.

"Brendon breathed new life into England's test side during an exciting period that ⁠delivered some memorable victories, ​and we're grateful for everything he ​has given to the role," he said.

England's bold and attack-minded approach initially took the red ball game by storm and led to 3-0 series wins over New Zealand and in Pakistan, where 500 runs were scored in one day, before a thrilling 2-2 home Ashes in 2023.

But the tide soon turned, with a 4-1 thumping in India two years ago and an abject tour of Australia in which the Ashes were lost in 11 days.

The latest test loss to New Zealand came after another off-the-field incident under the watch of McCullum.

His departure, which comes the day after England's T20 team thrashed India to seal a 4-0 series win under the Kiwi coach, leaves England in need of a new head coach and captain for red ball cricket.

Former Australia captains Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting have both been touted as possible England coaches in the past, while a second stint at the helm for Zimbabwean Andy Flower would also be a popular option.

England's managing director Rob Key, who has also faced scrutiny, said he believes the test side is "poised to achieve great things".

"Some of England's most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon's leadership of the test team," Key said.

"It's been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team, to one the players have loved and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England men's teams for years to come."

(c) Sky News 2026: 'Gutted' Brendon McCullum sacked as England cricket test match coach