Mccullum is relishing his major Test

BRENDON Mccullum accepted the role as the England Test side’s new head coach because of the opportunity to help a team at “rock bottom.”

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 which has fallen to bottom place in the World Test Championship after a dire run of one win in 17 matches.

Mccullum said: “If you are prepared to change your life it has to be something a bit grunty, a little bit meaty.

“The challenge of bringing a team which is rock bottom and building something long-term, sustainable and successful - that is more where the challenge lay.”

Leading the revival is a sizeable task for the 40-year-old, who has never before coached at firstclass or Test level - but he is renowned as one of the sport’s most progressive thinkers and dynamic leaders.

Mccullum, who won 101 Test caps and retired from international cricket in 2016, was initially approached to be England’s white-ball coach.

However, he added: “The whiteball job did not interest me because that team is flying - they are one of the best in the world and world champions as well.

“I love Test cricket and the opportunity to coach England and spend time around those grounds, it became so appealing.”

Pending visa approvals, Mccullum will arrive in time to lead a three-test series against his home country next month.