Brendon McCullum apologises to England fans after Test coach removal in Sports

By Aditya Rao — 14 July 2026 — 3 min read

Brendon McCullum has issued an apology to England fans following his removal as the team’s Test coach. He acknowledged that the team’s performance under his leadership did not meet expectations. McCullum will continue in his role as England‘s white-ball coach, but his tenure as Test coach, which began in 2022, has concluded.

Speaking at Edgbaston, ahead of England‘s ODI series against India, McCullum accepted the decision, stating that it was time for a new voice within the Test setup. The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the change, and McCullum confirmed that the decision to remove him came directly from the board.

McCullum accepts board’s decision

McCullum expressed his disappointment but also his full respect for the board’s decision. He highlighted that professional sports are a results-driven business and that the team’s results were ultimately not sufficient. He felt it was appropriate for someone else to take on the role.

During his time as Test coach, McCullum’s record included 27 wins, two draws, and 20 defeats. He took full responsibility for the team’s performance, particularly their inability to secure victories in major series.

McCullum specifically mentioned the team’s struggles in significant series against India and Australia, for which he offered his apologies. He accepted accountability for both the team’s culture and its on-field performances, acknowledging his leadership role in tactical decisions and overall team management.

He reflected on his extensive experience in cricket, noting that if results are not achieved, an opportunity for change is warranted, and he accepted that his performance was not good enough.

The ‘Bazball’ approach and its impact

McCullum, alongside captain Ben Stokes, introduced an aggressive style of Test cricket, widely known as ‘Bazball’. This approach aimed to transform England‘s game, encouraging fearless play and attacking shots. Initially, this philosophy yielded immediate success, with England winning a number of McCullum’s early Tests and earning acclaim for their bold style.

The early phase of ‘Bazball’ saw England win all three Tests against New Zealand in June 2022. They also secured a victory against India at Birmingham, followed by a whitewash against Pakistan and a win in New Zealand. By November 2023, the term ‘Bazball’ had even been recognised in the Collins dictionary.

However, results began to decline in the later stages of his tenure. England lost a number of their later Tests, including a home series defeat to New Zealand. This period also coincided with Stokes‘ retirement from the Test format.

England also failed to win their most significant Test rivalries during McCullum’s time. They drew home series against India and Australia, but lost both away contests. The 2023 Ashes at home revealed vulnerabilities, particularly against Australia‘s pace attack, which dismantled the ‘Bazball’ approach in the first two Tests.

The team’s performance against India away in early 2024 marked a significant decline, with England losing despite winning the first Test in Hyderabad. The pattern continued on a tour of Pakistan, where England lost after winning the first Test. The 2025 home series against India also resulted in a draw, with India outplaying England on pitches prepared by the home side.

The final verdict on the ‘Bazball’ approach came during a pink ball Test in Australia, where England lost the series. Overall, England‘s win rate was 55 per cent across 49 Tests, but against India and Australia combined, they won only four Tests and lost eleven. The series records against these elite teams were 1-4 in India, 2-2 at home against India, 2-2 in the home Ashes, and 1-4 away.

Emotional departure and future

McCullum mentioned that there was a certain fitting aspect to his departure from the Test setup soon after Ben Stokes retired from the format. He shared that he received messages from Stokes after the news, noting a romantic symmetry in them both concluding their involvement with the Test team around the same time, having started together.

The ECB‘s decision to remove McCullum as Test coach was announced on Sunday.