Brendon McCullum, the mastermind behind England’s resurgent Test cricket performance under the ‘Bazball’ approach, is ready to take on a new challenge – leading England’s white-ball teams. The New Zealander has extended his contract until the end of 2027, officially assuming the coaching responsibilities for both the One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) sides in January. This coincides with England’s upcoming tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
McCullum’s appointment marks a significant shift in England’s coaching structure, as he replaces Matthew Mott, who was let go in July following England’s underwhelming defense of their 50-over and T20 World Cup titles. The 42-year-old has made it clear that he is ready to be judged on results and is confident that he can bring the same attacking philosophy that has transformed England’s Test cricket to the limited-overs format.
Speaking at the Oval ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka, McCullum acknowledged the added workload but expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “Some bets are worth it, right?” he said. The former New Zealand captain highlighted his growing understanding of English cricket and its talent pool, stating that he felt the position presented a “great chance to have a good crack.”
The appointment comes at a time when England’s cricket schedule is extremely congested, with the T20 series against Australia kicking off just 24 hours after the end of the third Test. This has prompted England to adopt a split coaching structure, with former England batter Marcus Trescothick taking charge for the Australia series.
Despite the demanding workload, McCullum remains optimistic. He believes that the schedule will ease in the years leading up to the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka (2026) and the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa (2027). “I think if we look at the schedule, it is easing,” he said. “The last two years would have been impossible, hence we went down the split coaches route. Now with it easing – I say slightly – it can have one person in the role.”
McCullum emphasized that the team will need to be smart about managing player and staff workloads, including his own. However, he reiterated his commitment to performance and his readiness to face the consequences if results don’t materialize. “I’m happy to be governed by results and be in the gun if things don’t work out.” He also acknowledged that this arrangement opens up opportunities for other coaches to step up, citing Trescothick’s temporary leadership as an example.
With McCullum’s appointment, all eyes are now on whether he can replicate the success of ‘Bazball’ in the shorter formats and usher in a new era of attacking cricket for England’s white-ball teams.
