England opt out of split coaching, Brendon McCullum to takeover as white-ball coach from January 2025

Brendon McCullum’s contract as England head coach has been extended until the end of 2027.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named Brendon McCullum as their new white-ball coach for the senior men’s cricket team on Tuesday, September 3. The 42-year-old McCullum’s appointment comes just a month after ECB parted ways with former white-ball coach Matthew Mott, who took the reigns in 2022.

Notably, McCullum was already the head coach of England’s test side for the past two years. This also marks a shift away from the split-coaching model that Managing Director of England men’s cricket Rob Key reinstated in 2022.

McCullum’s contract now has been extended until the end of 2027. The 42-year-old will take charge of the white-ball team during England’s tour of India in January 2025, which will be followed by the ICC Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, interim white-ball coach Marcus Trescothick will be with the Three Lions for the upcoming home series against Australia later this month and the West Indies tour in October-November.

Delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now: ECB managing director Rob Key

ECB managing director Rob Key stated that he was happy to see McCullum becoming head coach across all three formats for England.

“I’m delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England. I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket. Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way,” ECB managing director Rob Key said.

Key added that constant clashes between formats made a challenging environment for the last two years.

“For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January. The timing of the schedule (from January) will allow him to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff,” Key added.

The ECB also announced that McCullum will head to New Zealand for a mini break after the conclusion of the test series against Sri Lanka. McCullum will then return before England’s tour of Pakistan in October.

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