England name Brendon McCullum as all-format head coach for men's team

England have confirmed that Brendon McCullum will take over as the white-ball head coach of the men's team starting January 2025, ahead of the India tour and ICC Champions Trophy.

McCullum, who has been the head coach of the men's Test side since 2022 and pioneered their attacking approach in the longest format, has extended his contract until the end of 2027.

Marcus Trescothick will assume Head Coach duties of the men's limited-overs team in an interim capacity until McCullum takes over in January, with the upcoming series against Australia his first assignment ahead of the tour of the Caribbean.

“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," Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said.

“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.

“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."

McCullum stated that he was excited to take up the new challenge and said that a single coach across the formats made sense.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides," McCullum said in the ECB statement.

"This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with Jos (Buttler) and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.

"The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense."

Test skipper Ben Stokes was delighted with McCullum's appointment and said that Jos Buttler and the white-ball team would benefit immensely from the former Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter.

"I think it's an unbelievable move for English cricket to go back to having a coach in charge of all the teams," Stokes said as revealed by ESPNCricinfo.

"You look at what Baz has achieved with the Test side, it's been amazing. I think Jos [Buttler] is going to really, really enjoy having him as his coach to work with.

"And you look at all the new faces who are coming into that white-ball team now, I couldn't think of a better person for them to come in and work under at international level for the first time.

"If there was any selfishness, selfishness within me, I would be saying 'no, please don't'. But I'm an English fan, I'm an England cricket fan and I couldn't think of a better person to be appointed to be the new coach of the white-ball team as well."