New Delhi: England have welcomed Brendon McCullum as their new coach of the men’s white-ball team, a job adding to his role as the head coach of the Test side, which he has pursued for over two years now. The Managing Director of England men’s cricket team Rob Key reinstated back in 2022 about the split-coaching model which the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has clearly left behind.
McCullum’s contract has been extended until the end of 2027 and he will be taking charge of the white-ball outfits in January 2025, the month when England will tour India, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy. For the Australia home series that lay ahead and the Caribbean tour in October-November, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick has been announced as the interim white-ball coach.
While making the announcement, Key said, “I’m delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England. I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket. Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way.”
Admitting that in the last couple of years, the formats have clashed making it a challenge for the white-ball environment, Key said that from January 2025, things will be easing out. The MD said that the timing of the England schedule will allow McCullum to dedicate himself accordingly to both roles. The former Kiwi star will head back home for a short break after the Sri Lanka Test series concludes and will return in time for England’s tour of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December.
Ready to embrace new challenge – McCullum
The ECB fired Matthew Mott a month back, despite the T20 World Cup 2022 win, for his failures in coaching the Three Lions, who were out of the ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024 as well. Although the performance in the latter tournament was appreciated, England’s wins came against what the cricket world calls “minnows”. Mott took charge in May 2022 but found himself out of the setup midway into his four-year contract.
Taking over the reins of the white-ball teams, McCullum was excited about his appointment. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides. This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with Jos (Buttler) and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place,” McCullum said.
He further hailed Key for his vision for the future of English cricket and the scheduling which according to him went “perfect”. He said that he is “energised” by the prospect of guiding both teams and thanked the ECB and his family for the support. The 42-year-old also talked about the abundance of talent in English cricket which he wants to help reach their “full potential” as part of his next stint.
England Cricket has named Brendon McCullum as the head coach of their white-ball setup who will take over the reins from January 2025, continuing to be the coach of the Test team. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
