England cricket sacks Test coach McCullum as team completes T20 whitewash of India

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) removed Brendon McCullum from his role as men’s Test head coach after a run of poor results – seven losses in the last nine Tests, including a 4‑1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2‑1 home series loss to New Zealand. McCullum will retain his position as white‑ball (ODI/T20) coach. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said the decision was driven by results and that a new Test coach is needed ahead of the forthcoming series against Pakistan. The board also said it would now allow the next Test coach to hold a simultaneous role in the Indian Premier League, opening the door for candidates such as Andy Flower, who currently coaches Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Former captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement shortly before McCullum’s dismissal.

In the meantime, England’s white‑ball side, still under McCullum, swept India 4‑0 in a Twenty20 International series, winning the final match at the Ageas Bowl by 56 runs. Jos Buttler scored a rapid 131 off 64 balls – his first T20I century in three years – and became England’s all‑time leading run‑scorer in the format. Captain Harry Brook added 95* and the pair set a record 233‑run partnership. The victory lifted England to the top of the ICC T20 rankings, ending India’s more than four‑year hold on the spot.