Brendon McCullum has broken his silence after being sacked as England’s Test coach
Former England Test head coach Brendon McCullum has broken his silence after being sacked. Speaking to Sky Sports, McCullum admitted he was disappointed by the decision but also apologized to fans for not getting the results that mattered most.
McCullum, who changed England’s approach to Test cricket with an aggressive brand of play after taking charge in 2022, was relieved of his duties after a disappointing run of results. Speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday 13 July, the former New Zealand captain said he understood the decision and called international coaching a results-driven business.
“I was disappointed at first, but at the same time it’s a business of results,” McCullum said.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted and I’ll carry that. Basically, it was a tap on the shoulder and you cracked it.”
The 43-year-old also reflected on his four-year stint with the Test team, describing it as one of the most rewarding periods of his cricketing career despite the disappointing finish.
“I’ve loved my time with the Test team over the last four years. It’s been one of the most enjoyable times I’ve had in my 20 years on the cricket circuit.”
APOLOGIES TO ENGLISH FANS
McCullum admitted that England’s failure to win their biggest series ultimately cost him his job and apologized to the fans who supported the team throughout his tenure.
“I’m disappointed for all the fans that we couldn’t get the results everyone wanted and I’m sorry.
“The results in the last bit were not up to par. I apologize again. You just have to accept it and move on.”
“Thank you all for your support, I wish everyone the best for the future and I’m sorry that I didn’t get the results.”
BASEBALL CHANGED ENGLAND
McCullum’s tenure will be remembered for introducing England’s ultra-aggressive approach to Test cricket, popularly known as ‘Bazball’. While England won some memorable matches by playing fearless cricket, the team struggled with the struggles that ultimately defined his reign.
Reflecting on his time in charge, McCullum said he had no regrets about the philosophy England had adopted, but acknowledged it had not produced the success everyone expected.
“I think we started really well. There was a real fresh identity in what we were trying to achieve. The vision never wavered but ultimately we weren’t able to deliver in the big marquee series – the Ashes and India.”
WHITE BALL CRICKET IN FOCUS
Although his Test spell is over, McCullum remains England’s white-ball coach and said he was fully focused on leading the team back to winning major ICC tournaments.
“But at the same time, I have a huge amount of enthusiasm and energy to work with the white ball and I’m looking forward to getting us where we want to go, which is winning trophies.”
SHE WILL NOT BE SAD: MCCULLUM
McCullum admitted it would be strange at first to watch someone else lead England’s Test side, but insisted he would continue to support the players and staff he has worked with over the past four years.
“At first it will be difficult to see someone in their former role with confidence. I care deeply for all the players and staff that have been a part of the last four years.”
“You just want the best for them and you want them to reach the potential and the results that everyone wants.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s going to be sad. I’ll be watching them with a smile on my face and cheering them on to reach the heights that everyone wishes for.”
McCullum is leaving the England Test team after four years that have fundamentally changed the team’s style of cricket. While the attacking approach captured the imagination of fans around the world, failure to win the Ashes or get past India ultimately spelled the end of his tenure.
He now turns his full attention to England’s white-ball teams and has his sights firmly set on the next ICC tournaments.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
13 Jul 2026 20:57 IST