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Brendon McCullum has apologised to England fans after being removed as the team’s Test coach, admitting the side did not deliver the results expected under his leadership. The former New Zealand captain will continue as England’s white-ball coach but was sacked from the Test role he had held since 2022. Speaking at Edgbaston on Monday, ahead of England’s ODI series against India, McCullum accepted the decision and said it was time for a new voice.
McCullum confirms he was sacked
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Sunday that McCullum would no longer be England’s Test coach. McCullum made it clear that the decision came from the board.“Yeah, I got a tap on the shoulder,” he said.“I was disappointed but at the same time I fully respect the decision. We’re in a results business and fundamentally our results weren’t good enough. It’s time for someone else to have a go.”McCullum finished with a Test coaching record of 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats.
‘I can only say sorry’
McCullum admitted England’s failure to win those major series was the biggest disappointment of his tenure and took full responsibility.“We just weren’t quite able to win those big series, against India and Australia. For that I guess I can only say sorry,” he said.He also accepted accountability for both the team’s culture and performances.“I was the leader of that group. I was in charge of the team culturally, in charge of the team tactically, in charge of the team results-wise as well.“I’ve been around this game for 20-odd years and I know if you aren’t getting the results someone else needs an opportunity. I put my hand up for that and accept it wasn’t good enough.”
Emotional end alongside Ben Stokes
McCullum said there was something fitting about leaving the Test setup soon after Ben Stokes retired from the format.Speaking to the BBC, he revealed the former England captain had reached out to him after the news.“I got some nice messages from Stokesy,” he said. “I guess, in a romantic kind of way there’s something about Stokesy and me going out together. We started it together and we go out together, and I have no problem with that.”McCullum and captain Ben Stokes transformed England’s approach to Test cricket with their aggressive style, popularly known as ‘Bazball’. England won 10 of McCullum’s first 11 Tests in charge and earned praise for playing fearless cricket.However, results dipped in the later stages of his tenure. England lost seven of their last nine Tests, including a 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand last month, which also marked Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket.England also failed to win either of their biggest Test rivalries during McCullum’s time. They drew home series against India and Australia 2-2 and lost both contests away from home.
