Brendon McCullum has been removed as head coach of England’s Test cricket team after four years in charge, although he will continue as coach of the country’s white-ball sides in the T20 and ODI formats.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that McCullum would step down from the Test role. In a statement issued by the board, the former New Zealand captain said he was “gutted not to be continuing” with the Test side, indicating that the decision had been taken by the ECB.

“But I respect the decision,” McCullum said. “My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward.” The announcement came just two weeks after England suffered a Test series defeat to New Zealand, their first home loss in a series of three or more Tests since 2012.

The disappointing result followed England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, where the team faced criticism over its perceived lack of professionalism and inconsistent performances. The departures of Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket after the New Zealand series, and McCullum effectively bring an end to the much-discussed “Bazball” era, a period defined by England’s fearless, attacking brand of Test cricket that delivered memorable victories but also produced inconsistent results.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould thanked McCullum for his contribution, saying the former coach had revitalised England’s Test side during a memorable period. “Brendon breathed new life into England men’s Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories, and we’re grateful for all he has given to the role,” Gould said. “We now believe that the time is right to make a change for the Test team as we target victory in the Ashes next summer.”

The ECB described the Bazball era as one of the most exciting and progressive phases in England’s Test cricket history, crediting McCullum with changing the team’s mindset and style of play.

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ECB managing director Rob Key praised McCullum’s influence on the squad, saying he had transformed the team’s mentality and helped nurture a new generation of players who would remain central to England’s future.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team into one the players have loved, and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England men’s teams for years to come,” Key said. “He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things.”

Reflecting on his tenure, McCullum said coaching England’s Test side had been an honour despite the challenges. “There have been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this,” he said.

“I wish the Test team nothing but success. There’s a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room and they’re a special bunch of lads. I’ll always be backing the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping they keep taking the game on. I know they’ll continue to make people proud.”

England’s next Test assignment is a series against Pakistan beginning next month. McCullum has combined the responsibilities of coaching both the red-ball and white-ball teams since January 2025. England’s T20 side recently completed a dominant 4-0 home series victory over India to climb to the top of the ICC T20 rankings.