Brendon McCullum Sets Out Plan to Make England the World’s Best White-Ball Side
Now focused only on white-ball cricket, England coach Brendon McCullum says he wants an aggressive, high-intensity team with a clear identity.
By SportCricket Desk · 30 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Brendon McCullum says he wants to turn England into the strongest white-ball team in the world, now that he can give the shorter formats his full attention.
A narrower remit
McCullum used to hold coaching duties in both Test and white-ball cricket. Changes to England’s coaching structure have since freed him to concentrate solely on limited-overs cricket. The former New Zealand captain accepts the side still has plenty to work on, but he has made his ambition clear.
Identity over results
His aim is for England to play with energy, aggression and high intensity. He is looking beyond individual results and wants the group to develop a recognisable way of playing that opponents come to expect.
Early signs this summer
There have been encouraging signs during England’s 2026 home season. With McCullum as coach and Harry Brook as captain, England won the T20I series against Sri Lanka 3-0 and took the ODI series 2-1. They have not lost any of their three 50-over series this year.
The white-ball group has also gained Kevin Pietersen as a mentor. McCullum now wants to build on that progress and keep England improving across both limited-overs formats.
