The England and Wales Cricket Board dismissed Brendon McCullum from his position as head coach of the men’s Test side on Sunday. The move follows closely after Ben Stokes ended his international career, coming after England’s 4-1 loss in the Ashes series in Australia and a 2-1 home Test defeat to New Zealand last month. McCullum’s departure concludes the period known as Bazball, even though an earlier ECB review of the Ashes had supported both the coach and managing director Rob Key. The board stated that McCullum would step down from the Test role but would retain leadership of the white-ball teams. McCullum, who began coaching the Test side in 2022 and took over white-ball duties in 2025, expressed disappointment but respect for the decision. He highlighted his enjoyment of the role and pride in the team’s achievements, while confirming his continued focus on white-ball cricket. During his time in charge, England played an aggressive style of Test cricket and secured series wins at home against New Zealand and South Africa as well as a clean sweep in Pakistan. However, results in the World Test Championship remained modest, with finishes of fourth, fifth and a current seventh place. The tenure also included several off-field incidents involving players. Stokes retired during the final Test against New Zealand amid reports of disagreements with McCullum and Key.
