England Test Coach: It’s official now, Brendon McCullum will be England’s new Test team coach. It is expected that McCullum will step down as the Kolkata Knight Riders head coach after IPL 2022. However, England’s hunt for a white-ball coach is still on.
Brendon McCullum appointed as England Test cricket coach
McCullum replaced Chris Silverwood who left the role in February after England were thrashed 4-0 in the Ashes in Australia, with Paul Collingwood stepping in as a caretaker coach.
“We are delighted to confirm Brendon as England men’s Test head coach. It has been a real privilege to get to know him and understand his views and vision for the game,” ECB managing director Rob Key said in a statement.
McCullum, 40, is currently in charge of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders but the ECB said he will be in place to start his role when New Zealand visit for a three-Test series starting at Lord’s on June 2.
Kolkata Knight Riders have had a campaign that has been a hit and a miss. KKR are on brink of exit. However, even if KKR qualify for the playoffs and play the final, McCullum will be free of IPL engagements by May 30.
“I’d like to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity to positively contribute to England’s Test cricket set-up and move the team forward into a more successful era.
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we’ve confronted them head-on.
“I’ve enjoyed several robust conversations with Rob Key about the direction of travel for the team and have found his enthusiasm contagious. I’m no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Ben Stokes is the perfect character to inspire change around him, and I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us.”
McCullum is due to arrive in the UK later this month. The Knight Riders have two matches left in their IPL group campaign on Saturday against Sunrisers Hyderabad and complete their season on Wednesday 18 May against Lucknow Super Giants.
However, with England going for a split coaching role for red and white-ball cricket, the hunt for a white-ball coach is still on. Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gary Kirsten is tipped to become the next white-ball coach of England. However, there hasn’t been any official confirmation yet.
Brendon McCullum will also have a big task at his hand to revive England in Test cricket. England is 9th on the World Test Championship table and has lost 9 consecutive matches.
England Cricket Next Coach shortlist:
- Gary Kirsten
- Simon Katich
- Paul Collingwood
- Richard Dawson
- Mark Alleyne
