The ECB has announced that men's Test head coach Brendon McCullum will add the role of England's white-ball head coach in a strategic restructure of the men's senior set-up. It means McCullum replaces Matthew Mott, who had been sharing white-ball duties with him, in a move away from the split-coaching model that Rob Key - the Managing Director of England men's cricket - reintroduced in 2022 after an eight-year hiatus.
McCullum, who took over the reins in May 2022 signed an extension that would commit him with the team until the end of 2027. He would continue his role as head coach of the Test team but take up the reins of the white-ball teams from January 2025, following England's white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Marcus Trescothick will stand in as interim head coach for the upcoming series against Australia and the tour of the Caribbean later this year.
Commenting on the restructure, Rob Key said: "I am thrilled that Brendon has decided to take up both roles now with England. I think we are very lucky that someone of his calibre is willing to commit fully to English cricket.
That we will be able to align all teams now is what makes it very exciting, and we are looking forward to all challenges that are coming our way. The last two years, the constant clashing of formats have been trying times for the white-ball environment; thankfully, these are easing starting from January.
The timing of the schedule-from January-will enable him to give both roles the necessary attention and we're delighted this structural adjustment will get the best out of our players and coaching staff," he continued. On being appointed to the dual coaching role, McCullum said he is looking forward to working with white-ball captain Jos Buttler and also the white-ball setup.
I have loved my time working with the Test team and am now very excited to take on this additional challenge as well. This feels like an exciting time for white-ball cricket in England and I'm looking forward to working closely with Jos and the team to help take the sides forward from the strong base that is in place," he said.
The thing that resonated most with me was what Rob Key expressed: the vision for the future of English cricket. The thought of one coaching structure-finding a way to make it fit, especially as the schedule releases next year-made total sense. I'm energized by this opportunity to lead both teams and grateful for the support from the ECB and my family as I take on these added responsibilities.
Indeed, the talent in English cricket is enormous, and I look forward to contributing towards helping them reach their potential. My aim is to provide the environment where everybody can prosper and where we continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.
McCullum will spend a short period of time at home in New Zealand once the Test series against Sri Lanka is complete in The Oval next week, before linking up with the Test team for their winter tours in October in Pakistan and then the three-match Test series against New Zealand in December.
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