Brendon McCullum's time as England Test coach is up, with his exit coming swiftly off the back of captain Ben Stokes' shock retirement from international cricket14:00, 12 Jul 2026Updated 14:13, 12 Jul 2026Brendon McCullum has been sacked as the head coach of England's Test team. The ECB confirmed on Sunday that McCullum, 44, has left his role less than two weeks after captain Ben Stokes retired from international cricket, signalling the end of the Bazball era at Test level.‌McCullum will, however, remain in charge of England's one-day sides. The Kiwi is fresh from guiding England to an emphatic 4-0 win against India in their T20 series, moving Harry Brook's side top of the world rankings in the shorter format.‌An ODI series is due to begin on Tuesday, with England not back in action with the red ball until mid-August. McCullum's future has been the subject of intense scrutiny since England's catastrophic Ashes defeat over the winter.‌The ex-batsman remained in his post for the recent Test series against New Zealand but oversaw a limp 2-1 defeat which was marred by events off the field. Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson were both punished after breaking the team's curfew, and although both returned for the next match, Stokes announced his retirement on the penultimate day.McCullum said in a statement: "I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. There've been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that's all part of taking on a challenge like this."It's been a privilege and an honour, and I'm grateful. Grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who supported us on the journey. Of course I'm gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I've got to the White Ball teams and helping England keep moving forward.‌"I wish the Test team nothing but success. There's a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room and they're a special bunch of lads. I'll always be backing the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping they keep taking the game on. I know they'll continue to make people proud."Appointed in May 2022, McCullum inherited a team who'd won only one of their previous 17 Test matches. Stokes was named captain in place of Joe Root and England went on to win 10 of their 12.Who should replace Brendon McCullum? Have your say in the comments section.‌His swashbuckling Bazball approach was a breath of fresh air to a side devoid of confidence, but it didn't yield results in the big series. Disappointing draws at home to India and Australia coupled with 4-1 losses abroad against the same opposition saw calls for McCullum to show more pragmatism, while critics believed that he showed too much loyalty to out-of-form stars.After Luke Wright's exit as selector earlier this year, managing director Rob Key is now the last man standing from the 2022 reboot. "Some of England's most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon's leadership of the Test team," Key commented.Article continues below"It's been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team, to one the players have loved, and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England Men’s teams for years to come. He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things."Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, added: "Brendon breathed new life into England Men's Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories, and we’re grateful for all he has given to the role. We now believe that the time is right to make a change for the Test team as we target victory in The Ashes next summer."England will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach. Their three-match Test series against Pakistan begins on August 19, with a tour of South Africa to follow.