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Ben Stokes blames retirement for Brendon McCullum's sacking as coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 5:58 PM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

Ben Stokes blames retirement for Brendon McCullum's sacking as coach

Summary

Ben Stokes expressed that his retirement from Test cricket influenced the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to dismiss Brendon McCullum as Test head coach. Stokes stated on a podcast that had he not retired four weeks prior, McCullum would still hold the position. Following the retirement of Stokes, England's performance declined, leading to the coaching change. McCullum remains as coach for England's white-ball teams despite the setback. The England setup is now under the leadership of Stephen Fleming as Test coach and Joe Root as captain.

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By the Numbers

•Stokes retired during England's Test series against New Zealand.
•England lost 17 of 35 Tests since McCullum's strong start.
•McCullum remains head coach for white-ball formats.
•Stephen Fleming has taken over as Test coach.
•Joe Root has returned as captain following McCullum's exit.

Latest Updates

5:58 PMYahoo Sports — 'It's my fault': Ben Stokes blames his retirement for Brendon McCullum's England Test coach sacking

What they're saying

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With England losing both their Test captain and their Test head coach in a string of decisions, former captain Ben Stokes blames himself for Brendon McCullum's sacking.
— Yahoo Sports

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