ECB fires Brendon McCullum as England Test coach after Stokes retirement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 6:42 PM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has dismissed Brendon McCullum from his role as head coach of England's men's Test team. The decision follows Ben Stokes' recent retirement from international cricket and comes on the heels of England's losses in the 4-1 Ashes series to Australia and 2-1 against New Zealand. Despite a review earlier this year supporting McCullum and ECB managing director Rob Key, the board chose to part ways with the coach who led the team in adopting an aggressive style of play known as 'Bazball'. McCullum will remain in charge of England’s white-ball teams, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and pride in the team’s accomplishments during his tenure.
- •ECB announces McCullum's sacking as Test head coach.
- •Stokes retires after England's poor performance in multiple series.
- •McCullum led the 'Bazball' approach since 2022.
- •McCullum remains head coach for England's white-ball teams.
- 9:31 AMYahoo Sports — It's curtains for Bazball: England sack Brendon McCullum as Test coach
- 5:08 AMYahoo Sports — 'ECB wasted six months': Delayed Brendon McCullum sacking as Test head coach blamed for Ben Stokes early retirement
- 6:42 PMYahoo Sports — ECB sacks Brendon McCullum as England Test coach days after Ben Stokes retirement
"Brendon McCullum has been dismissed as England's Test coach after four years. He will continue his role with the white-ball teams, as announced by the ECB. This decision follows a difficult period including Ashes humiliation and recent defeats. The aggressive 'Bazball' approach initiated by McCullum and Ben Stokes is now officially over. The ECB aims for an Ashes victory at home next summer with this change.
"Ben Stokes reportedly wanted Brendon McCullum removed after the Ashes, but the ECB's delay allowed tensions to grow and contributed to the England captain's early retirement.
"McCullum's exit brings an end to the Bazball era, despite England's review of the Ashes series earlier this year backing both him and ECB managing director Rob Key.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 13, 2026, 9:31 AMIt's curtains for Bazball: England sack Brendon McCullum as Test coach
Brendon McCullum has been dismissed as England's Test coach after four years. He will continue his role with the white-ball teams, as announced by the ECB. This decision follows a difficult period including Ashes humiliation and recent defeats. The aggressive 'Bazball' approach initiated by McCullum and Ben Stokes is now officially over. The ECB aims for an Ashes victory at home next summer with this change.
- Yahoo SportsJul 13, 2026, 5:08 AM'ECB wasted six months': Delayed Brendon McCullum sacking as Test head coach blamed for Ben Stokes early retirement
Ben Stokes reportedly wanted Brendon McCullum removed after the Ashes, but the ECB's delay allowed tensions to grow and contributed to the England captain's early retirement.
- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 6:42 PMECB sacks Brendon McCullum as England Test coach days after Ben Stokes retirement
McCullum's exit brings an end to the Bazball era, despite England's review of the Ashes series earlier this year backing both him and ECB managing director Rob Key.
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