BRENDON MCCULLUM REMOVED AS ENGLAND TEST CRICKET COACH

Brendon McCullum has been removed as England's Test cricket coach, the organisation announced. The departure follows the resignation of captain Ben Stokes, which occurred two weeks prior. Both departures leave the England Test team without a captain and without a coach for the first time in four years. Rob Key, director of cricket, appointed McCullum to the role in May 2022.

McCullum's tenure began with significant success, including victories against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, India at Edgbaston and Pakistan in Rawalpindi during his first year. The team's approach under his leadership emphasised aggressive batting strategy. However, England's performance deteriorated markedly following a batting collapse in Perth during the first Test against Australia, where the team lost nine wickets for 99 runs. This collapse occurred approximately seven months before McCullum's removal and was described as consequential to England's subsequent trajectory.

England seeks a new Test coach before the team's upcoming series against Pakistan, according to reports. The search for McCullum's successor represents a significant transition for English cricket following a period of high-profile wins and extensive media attention. The precise circumstances leading to McCullum's removal and the timeline for appointing his successor remain to be confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board.