England appoint former New Zealand captain as new men's Test coach
Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new head coach of England’s Test side, with director of men’s cricket Rob Key telling fans to “buckle up and get ready for the ride”.
The former 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 bottomplaceintheWorldTest Championshipafteradirerun of one win in 17 matches.
Leadingtherevivalisasizeable task for the 40-year-old, who has never before coached at first-class or Test level, but he is renowned as one of the sport’smostprogressivethinkers and dynamic leaders.
As skipper he set his own country on the path to their current golden era, which has seen them finished as runnerupineachofthelasttwoWorld Cups and claim the inaugural
World Test Championship, and won over the England and WalesCricketBoard’sselection panel with his passionate approach.Hesawoffastrongfield to earn what is understood to be a four-year contract, edging the likes of Gary Kirsten.
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 coachandcaptainpartnership. Timeforusalltobuckleupand 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 todothatforEngland’sred-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, who won 101 Test caps and retired from international cricket in 2016, made it clear that he has firm viewsabouthowtolifttheteam out of its current malaise.
“In taking this role on, I am acutelyawareofthesignificant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emergeasastrongerforceonce we’ve confronted them headon,” he said.