On Tuesday, the England Cricket Board announced that Brendon McCullum, who has been the coach of the Test side of England since 2022, will also take charge of the white-ball teams from next year. This change is part of England’s new leadership plan.
Brendon McCullum’s popular ‘Bazball’ approach will now influence the England cricket team in the white-batt formats of the game. Earlier, the busy international schedule of the England cricket team had made it tough for one person to handle both the red-ball format and the white-ball format of the game, especially with overlapping games.
However, with the new changes in the cricketing calendar, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and McCullum feel that managing the team in all formats is now possible.
Brendon McCullum’s contract has also been extended until 2027.
“The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense,” McCullum said. “I’m energized by the prospect of guiding both teams and am grateful for the support from the ECB and my family as I take on these added responsibilities.”
For the unversed, England’s white-ball coach Matthew Mott stepped down as England’s white-ball coach on July 30 after overseeing the team’s disappointing performances in the ODI and T20 World Cup titles.
“The talent within English cricket is immense, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential,” McCullum said. “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.”
Brendon McCullum will begin his dual coaching roles in January, aligning with England’s white-ball tour of India and the Champions Trophy.
Ben Stokes On McCullum’s New Role
Meanwhile, England’s red-ball Ben Stokes told Sky Sports when asked to share his thoughts on McCullum’s new role said: “I think it’s great for English cricket.” He added: “What Baz (Brendon McCullum) has given to this team and the individuals in the team and the confidence it has instilled in myself and the team is brilliant.”
“I am really looking forward to the guys who are involved in the white-ball team to experience that as well. He is a fantastic human being and a great coach. I am really excited for the white-ball side to be able to go forward with Baz and Jos (Buttler) in front. He (McCullum) obviously has taken this challenge on board because he feels like he can make a difference and he can help and that’s something you want in your coach.”
Watch the video:
"He's a fantastic human being and a great coach" 🗣️
Ben Stokes says "it's great for English cricket" that Brendon McCullum has been appointed England white-ball coach in addition to role as Test coach 🏴pic.twitter.com/n0y7NjuOQV
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 4, 2024
Stokes emphasized the importance of having a coach who understands what they’re signing up for and brings a clear plan, rather than someone who merely reacts to situations and lets the players dictate the terms.
“You don’t want a coach who’s just gonna come in and let things just play out and whatever will be.. will be…but Baz is a very determined person to come in and make an influence wherever he goes in the world as a coach. I think it’s unbelievable for English cricket that Brendon’s gonna be coaching both teams,” Stokes concluded.
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