Kiwi Brendon McCullum named as England’s test head coach: New Zealand’s former cricketer, Brendon McCullum has been named as England’s test team head coach. The England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the big development on Thursday.
Brendon McCullum will be replacing former England coach Chris Silverwood, who left his role earlier this year in February following England’s 4-0 embarrassing defeat in the all-important Ashes 2021-22 in Australia.
Notably, since Silverwood’s exit assistant coach Paul Collingwood was named as the interim head coach of England’s national side.
“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. I believe his appointment will be good for England’s Test team,” Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket Rob Key said.
McCullum is currently in-charge of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and will be available for his new role when New Zealand visit England for three-match test series, starting June 2.
It’s important to note that the decision to appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach of England’s test side has been taken unanimously by the England men’s cricket CEO Tom Harrison, MD Rob Key and Strategic Adviser Andrew Strauss after completing the competitive interview process.
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“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better, and I believe he is the person to do that for England’s red-ball cricket. We were incredibly fortunate to have a seriously strong list of quality candidates for the post, with Brendon demonstrating he was our number one choice,” said Rob Key.
He mentioned that Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum form a formidable pair of captain and coach respectively.
I am ready for the following challenge, says Brendon McCullum:
“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,” said the former Kiwi skipper after being given the new role.
“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 added.
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