England have pulled off a major coup by persuading Test coach Brendon McCullum to take charge of the white-ball teams as well.
In a shock move, the New Zealander, who has revolutionised England’s Test fortunes since taking over in May 2022, will unite both coaching roles from January next year, with T20 and ODI series in India and the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan his first assignments in his new expanded role.
Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mike Hussey had all been strongly linked with the white-ball job since Matthew Mott was sacked in July following England’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean.
But England have managed to tempt McCullum into becoming their first all-format coach since Chris Silverwood in 2022.
Marcus Trescothick, appointed interim head coach for this month’s T20 and ODI series against Australia after Mott’s sacking, will continue in that role until the end of England’s white-ball tour of the West Indies in November before McCullum takes over in the new year.
The 42-year-old’s contract was due to end in May 2026 and he was widely expected to leave his role as Test coach after the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia.
But he has now extended his deal with England, meaning he will stay in charge of all men’s teams until the next 50-over World Cup in southern Africa in 2027 and also another home Ashes series earlier in that year.
An England & Wales Cricket Board statement confirmed: “Men’s Test head coach Brendon McCullum will also take on the role of England’s white-ball head coach as part of a strategic restructure of the England men’s senior set-up.
“McCullum has extended his contract until the end of 2027. He will assume leadership of both the Test and white-ball teams starting January 2025, coinciding with England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy.”
i understands McCullum has agreed a significant rise on his current salary of around £2m per year. But the appointment is still a significant achievement for Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, who said: “I’m delighted Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England. I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket.
“Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way.
“For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January.
“The timing of the schedule [from January] will allow him to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff.”
McCullum, who currently splits his time between England and his home in New Zealand, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides.
“This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with [captain] Jos [Buttler] and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.
“Rob Key’s vision for the future of English cricket is something that really resonated with me. The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense. I’m energised 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.
“The talent within English cricket is immense, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. My goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where we can continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.”
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