McCullum named Test match coach
BRENDON McCullum has been appointed as the new head coach of England’s Test match side, with director of men’s cricket Rob Key telling fans to “buckle up and get ready for the ride”, writes Rory Dollard.
The ex-New Zealand captain will leave his job in charge of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to take over a red-ball side that has fallen to bottom place in the World Test Championship after a dire run of one win in 17 matches.
Leading the revival is a sizeable task for the 40-year-old, below, who has never before coached at first-class or Test level, but he is renowned as one of the sport’s most progressive thinkers and dynamic leaders.
As skipper he set his own country on the path to their current golden era, which has seen them finish as runner-up in each of the last two World Cups and claim the inaugural World Test Championship, and he won over the England & Wales Cricket Board’s selection panel with his passionate approach.
He saw off a strong field to earn what is understood to be a fouryear contract, edging out the likes of Gary Kirsten, whose credentials with South Africa and India had once made him favourite to land the job.
Key, who led the nomination process alongside ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, strategic adviser Sir Andrew Strauss and performance director Mo Bobat, is enthused about the prospect of McCullum linking up with new Test skipper Ben Stokes.
“We are delighted to confirm Brendon as England men’s Test head coach. It has been a real privilege to get to know him and understand his views and vision for the game,” he said.
“I believe in Brendon and Ben Stokes – a formidable coach and captain partnership.
“Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride. I believe his appointment will be good for England’s Test team.
“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better, and I believe he is the person to do that for England’s red-ball cricket.
“We were incredibly fortunate to have a seriously strong list of quality candidates for the post, with Brendon demonstrating he was our number one choice.”
McCullum added: “I’m acutely aware of the challenges the team faces at present, but I’m no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can’t wait to get started.”