New Zealander McCullum named coach of England Test team
He will work with Test captain Ben Stokes to lift England out of slump with only one win in last 17 matches
12 May 2022 - 17:43
byRohith Nair
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New Zealand's Brendon McCullum. File photo: REUTERS/PHILIP BROWN
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been appointed head coach of England’s Test team, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday.
McCullum replaced Chris Silverwood, who left in February after England were thrashed 4-0 in the Ashes in Australia, with Paul Collingwood stepping in as a caretaker coach.
McCullum, 40, is now in charge of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders, but the ECB said he will be in place to start his role when New Zealand visit for a three-Test series starting at Lord’s on June 2.
“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,” ECB MD Rob Key said in a statement.
“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better. 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.”
Former SA and India head coach Gary Kirsten had been linked with the role. Collingwood was also considered.
McCullum played the last of his 101 Tests at Christchurch in 2016 against Australia, where he hit the fastest century on record in the format (54 balls). He finished his career with 6,453 runs including 12 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
He will work with newly appointed Test captain Ben Stokes to get England out of a slump after the team won only one of their last 17 matches, Key describes the pair as a “formidable coach and captain partnership”.
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present. I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we’ve confronted them head-on,” said McCullum.
“Ben Stokes is the perfect character to inspire change around him. I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
New Zealander McCullum named coach of England Test team
He will work with Test captain Ben Stokes to lift England out of slump with only one win in last 17 matches
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been appointed head coach of England’s Test team, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said on Thursday.
McCullum replaced Chris Silverwood, who left in February after England were thrashed 4-0 in the Ashes in Australia, with Paul Collingwood stepping in as a caretaker coach.
McCullum, 40, is now in charge of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders, but the ECB said he will be in place to start his role when New Zealand visit for a three-Test series starting at Lord’s on June 2.
“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,” ECB MD Rob Key said in a statement.
“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better. 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.”
Former SA and India head coach Gary Kirsten had been linked with the role. Collingwood was also considered.
McCullum played the last of his 101 Tests at Christchurch in 2016 against Australia, where he hit the fastest century on record in the format (54 balls). He finished his career with 6,453 runs including 12 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
He will work with newly appointed Test captain Ben Stokes to get England out of a slump after the team won only one of their last 17 matches, Key describes the pair as a “formidable coach and captain partnership”.
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present. I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we’ve confronted them head-on,” said McCullum.
“Ben Stokes is the perfect character to inspire change around him. I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us.”
Reuters
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