Brendon McCullum's Next Move After Test Sacking Could Reshape His Future

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-21

Brendon McCullum will stay in England to watch the Hundred this summer, a decision he says matters now that his role has narrowed to head coach of the white-ball sides. The former Test coach was removed from that position eight days ago after England lost 2-1 to New Zealand, a defeat that extended the team's run to seven losses in nine Tests and left them without a series win since 2024. McCullum still oversees the T20I and ODI teams through the end of his contract, which runs until after the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. ### McCullum's Shift in Approach After Test Sacking The timing marks a clear change from how McCullum handled the early part of the summer. With the Test side needing a reset following a 4-1 Ashes defeat, he took time off after a packed winter schedule and missed the first seven rounds of the County Championship. That winter had taken him from a New Zealand white-ball tour in October to three months in Australia, then a white-ball series in Sri Lanka ahead of the T20 World Cup, which wrapped up in March. He did not arrive in the UK until late May, training at Loughborough before the first Test against New Zealand started on June 4. This time, McCullum says staying put makes sense. "I'll be around for the Hundred," he said. "I think it's good to be around for that, seeing not just the guys who are in this squad, but also some of the next talent perform under the brightest lights of the Hundred tournament." He added that he plans to attend several matches over the coming four weeks. ### Networking Opportunities and Broadcast Interest McCullum is entering the final 12 months of his ECB contract, and his presence at England's most high-profile domestic competition could carry benefits beyond coaching. As the former head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, a return to franchise cricket remains a live option once his tenure ends, and the Hundred gives him a chance to build relationships with the tournament's new ownership groups. Cricinfo understands that Sky and the BBC, the Hundred's official broadcasters, have also made enquiries about McCullum joining their coverage teams. ### What Comes Next for England's Coaching Set-Up McCullum's schedule means he is likely to be in the country when the ECB names its next Test coach. Andy Flower had been the board's top choice before withdrawing after talks with the governing body. Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Richard Dawson, Mike Hesson, Tom Moody and Kumar Sangakkara are still under consideration, and the ECB hopes to confirm an appointment before the Pakistan series begins on August 19. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick has been identified as a possible interim option if needed. Asked how he expects to share resources with a new Test coach, McCullum described the process as collaborative. "Once the new coach is put in place, I think we'll have a good conversation around everything," he said, adding that both sides would need to compromise for the good of English cricket. England's recent ODI series win over India, their second such result in months, has given McCullum confidence in the team's progress toward the 2027 World Cup, even with the side currently seventh in the ICC rankings. ### Key Takeaways from McCullum's Shift - **White-ball focus**: McCullum is now fully committed to the T20I and ODI teams through 2027. - **The Hundred presence**: He plans to scout talent and build relationships during the tournament. - **Broadcast interest**: Both Sky and the BBC have shown interest in him as a commentator. - **Franchise options**: A return to coaching in leagues like the IPL or the Hundred remains possible. For more cricket news and updates, visit [JeetWin Blog](https://www.jeetwin.com/blog/ "nofollow").