Brendon McCullum has broken his silence after being sacked as England's Test head coach, revealing he received a 'tap on the shoulder' before his dismissal. The 44-year-old New Zealander had been in charge of the red-ball side since 2022, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed last week that he had 'stood down' from the role.
McCullum's exit after poor run
McCullum's departure came after a dismal run of seven defeats in nine matches, including a heavy 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia over the winter. Speaking about the decision, McCullum said: 'Yeah, I got a tap on the shoulder. I was disappointed but at the same time I fully respect the decision. We're in a results business and fundamentally our results weren't good enough. It's time for someone else to have a go.'
McCullum acknowledged that the team had not always got things right under his leadership. 'We didn't always get it right. For that, I put my hand up and say we weren't able to get there,' he added.
Reasons for the sacking
While McCullum was disappointed to lose his role, he suggested that England's recent form was the key reason for his dismissal. 'We just weren't quite able to win those big series, against India and Australia, the two marquee series. We just weren't able to get the results and for that I guess I can only say sorry,' he said.
'I was the leader of that group. I was in charge of the team culturally, in charge of the team tactically, in charge of the team results-wise as well. If you don't get the results, being a results business, fundamentally you get replaced. I'm not unaccustomed to that, I've been around this game for 20-odd years and I know if you aren't getting the results, someone else needs an opportunity. I put my hand up for that and accept it wasn't good enough.'
McCullum's future with England
Despite being axed as Test coach, McCullum will remain involved with England as the white-ball coach. On the split coaching set-up, he said: 'Once the new coach comes into play we will sit down and unpick a lot of this stuff. You've got different staff, players, schedules are different, obviously captaincy discussions, but it's about what is right for English cricket. I'm sure that will be a collaborative process. I also wish the new Test coach all the best.'
