McCullum's Next Move After Losing Test Coach Role

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-21

Brendon McCullum is staying in England to watch The Hundred this summer. It's a decision that carries more weight now that his job has changed. He was removed as Test coach eight days ago after England lost 2-1 to New Zealand. That defeat stretched the team's losing run to seven losses in nine Tests, and they haven't won a series since 2024. McCullum still runs the T20I and ODI teams through the end of his contract, which runs until after the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. So his focus has shifted, but he's not walking away. ### Why McCullum Is Changing His Summer Plans This is a real shift from how McCullum handled the early part of the summer. After England's 4-1 Ashes defeat, the Test side needed a reset. McCullum took time off following a packed winter schedule and missed the first seven rounds of the County Championship. His winter was brutal. It started with a New Zealand white-ball tour in October, then three months in Australia, followed by a white-ball series in Sri Lanka before the T20 World Cup, which wrapped up in March. He didn't arrive in the UK until late May, training at Loughborough before the first Test against New Zealand started on June 4. This time, staying put just makes sense. "I'll be around for The Hundred," McCullum 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 plans to attend several matches over the next four weeks. ### Networking Opportunities and Broadcast Interest McCullum is entering the final 12 months of his ECB contract. His presence at England's most high-profile domestic competition could open doors beyond coaching. He's the former head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, so a return to franchise cricket is a real option once his tenure ends. The Hundred gives him a chance to build relationships with the tournament's new ownership groups. Here's what else is happening: - Sky and the BBC, The Hundred's official broadcasters, have asked about McCullum joining their coverage teams. - His schedule means he'll likely be in the country when the ECB names its next Test coach. - Andy Flower was the board's top choice but withdrew after talks. ### What Comes Next for England's Coaching Set-Up The ECB is considering several candidates for the Test coach role. Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Richard Dawson, Mike Hesson, Tom Moody, and Kumar Sangakkara are all still in the running. The board hopes to confirm an appointment before the Pakistan series starts on August 19. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick has been identified as a possible interim option if needed. When 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, he sees real potential. For more cricket news and updates, visit [JeetWin Blog](https://www.jeetwin.blog) (nofollow).