England appoint Brendon McCullum as white-ball head coach

England are backing Brendon McCullum to revive their ailing white-ball fortunes after handing the Test head coach the limited-overs reigns in a major leadership shakeup today.

Alongside captain Ben Stokes, McCullum has transformed the Test team since taking the helm at the start of the 2022 home summer, when England shifted to using separate red- and white-ball coaches.

Matthew Mott was appointed in the latter role and steered England to T20 World Cup success later the same year, but was sacked earlier this summer after disappointing World Cup defences in both T20 and 50-over formats over the past 12 months.

The ECB had been considering their options in the search for a successor, but have now decided to return to a single head coach structure, with Marcus Trescothick to act as white-ball interim until McCullum takes full charge at the start of next year.

As part of the agreement, McCullum has also penned a contract extension until the end of 2027, meaning he will stay in charge of the Test side through to the next home Ashes.

“I’m delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England,” said Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket. “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.”

McCullum’s contract had been due to expire soon after the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia and it had been thought he would likely walk away at the end of that deal. His extension through to 2027, however, means that as well as staying at the Test helm, he will also lead the white-ball side into that year’s 50-over World Cup, as well as the 2026 T20 version and next spring’s Champions Trophy.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides,” McCullum said. “This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with [captain] Jos Buttler and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.

“The talent within English cricket is immense, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. My goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where we can continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.”

McCullum inherited a Test team that had won just one of their last 17 matches, but has since led them to 19 wins in 28 games, including five out of five so far this summer, with the Third Test against Sri Lanka due to start at Kia Oval on Friday.

The 42-year-old was immediately touted as a potential successor to Mott when the Australian was let go, but there were doubts as to whether he would want the job, given the hectic multi-format schedule and the fact that he still lives in New Zealand.

Leading both teams this autumn, for instance, would be virtually impossible. After England play T20 and ODI series at home to Australia next month, they go to Pakistan for three Tests and then, within three days, start a white-ball tour in the Caribbean. By the time that trip finishes, the Test side will be about to fly to New Zealand to prepare for another series there before Christmas.

However, the schedule does ease significantly in 2025, with limited overlap between formats. There is a white-ball tour to India and the Champions Trophy early next year, but then a substantial break before the start of the home summer. England’s only overseas commitments across formats between March and the start of the Ashes in November are a short ODI tour to Ireland and a longer white-ball series in McCullum’s homeland.

“For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January,” Key added. “The timing of the schedule (from January) will allow Brendon to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff.”