New Head Coach Brendon McCullum to Lead England Men’s Cricket Team Across all Formats

London: England has announced that Brendon McCullum, who has been the coach of the Test side since 2022, will now also lead the ODI and T20 teams starting next year. This decision is part of a revamped leadership structure to cope with the demanding international schedule. With matches in both shorter and longer formats sometimes overlapping, it has become increasingly challenging for one person to handle both roles efficiently.

McCullum and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which has extended his contract until 2027, believe it is now possible because of changes to the calendar. “The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense,” McCullum said. “I’m energized by the prospect of guiding both teams and am grateful for the support from the ECB and my family as I take on these added responsibilities.”

Matthew Mott resigned as England’s white-ball coach on July 30 after presiding over the team’s disappointing defenses of its ODI and T20 world titles. The Australian was in charge for two years — and led England to the T20 World Cup title in 2022 — but was no longer getting the best out of a talented group captained by Jos Buttler, whose position also came under scrutiny.

McCullum will start his dual roles in January, coinciding with England’s white-ball tour of India and the Champions Trophy. In the interim, Marcus Trescothick will serve as coach for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia and the tour of the Caribbean.

“I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket,” ECB Director Rob Key said of McCullum. “Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way.

The English held both white-ball world titles after winning the 50-over crown in 2019 and the T20 crown three years later. They surrendered the 50-over title last year in dismal fashion after losing six of their nine group games in India. England was then thrashed in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup by eventual champion India in June.