Former New Zealand cricketer has been named as England Men's Test team's Head Coach. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the news on May 12.
McCullum will start his role against New Zealand in the three-match Test series at home which will commence on June 2 in Lord's. However, McCullum joining the squad is subjected to him "obtaining the necessary work visa", as per ECB's statement.
The major news was announced after a unanimous decision following an impressive interview. The ECB's selection panel included Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Rob Key, Strategic Advisor Andrew Strauss and Performance Director Mo Bobat.
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we've confronted them head-on,” McCullum said in a statement released by ECB.
McCullum’s coaching achievements
The 40-year-old is currently working as a Head Coach of two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Shreyas Iyer-led side is currently at the bottom half of the table with five wins from 12 games. Earlier the former Kiwi skipper led Trinbago Knight Riders in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2022 where the team went on to win the title.
Stokes-McCullum partnership
The Test series against New Zealand will also mark the start of Ben Stokes journey as Test skipper after Joe Root stepped down from the role following widespread criticism. After the New Zealand series, England will also host India in the one-off Test which was postponed last year due to rising Covid-19 cases in India.
Currently, England are struggling in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23. England are at the bottom of the table with just one win from 13 games.
