Brendon McCullum has apologised to England supporters for failing to win Test series against India and Australia, calling those results the biggest regret of his time as Test head coach. His exit from the role was confirmed on 12 July, ending a four-year spell. He stays on as England’s white-ball head coach.
Decline in recent months
England lost seven of their last nine Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia and a 2-1 home loss to New Zealand, and those results brought the tenure to a close.
The record
Under McCullum, England played 49 Tests, winning 27, losing 20 and drawing two. His attacking “Bazball” approach produced memorable wins and changed how the team played. Yet England never won a series against India or Australia: both home series were drawn 2-2, and both away series were lost 4-1.
McCullum said the past four years were probably the highlight of his career and that he had loved every moment, but admitted that failing to win those two big series left him with nothing to say but sorry.
Looking ahead
Speaking before the ODI series against India, he said his attention and energy now belong to the white-ball team, with the aim of helping England win trophies. He also said he is keen to work with whoever becomes the new Test coach, and that cooperation between the coaching groups will be vital. The ECB has not yet named a replacement.
England start the ODI series in confidence after a 4-0 T20I sweep, which lifted them to No. 1 in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings.
