Brendon McCullum appointed England's head coach (Tests): Details here
Former New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, has been appointed England Men's head coach (Tests). The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that it has signed McCullum on a four-year deal. Notably, McCullum will step down as Kolkata Knight Riders' head coach at the end of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He played 101 Tests for New Zealand between 2004 and 2016.
A look at the official statement
"I'd like to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity to contribute to England's Test set-up," McCullum said in an ECB release. "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.
One of the greatest batters in New Zealand cricket
McCullum remains one of the greatest batters in New Zealand cricket. He slammed 6,453 runs at 38.64 in Tests. His highest score of 302 came against India in 2014 (only triple-century by a Kiwi batter). McCullum also owns 6,083 ODI and 2,140 T20I runs.. He is one of the few players to have scored a ton in all three formats (19 international tons).
Highest individual score by a NZ batter in T20s
McCullum holds the record for smashing the highest individual score by a Kiwi batter in T20 cricket. He slammed an unbeaten 158 in the first-ever game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 (vs Royal Challengers Bangalore).
England cricket has been in shambles
McCullum would want to resurrect England, who have been in shambles of late. In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle, England remain at bottom of the pile. They were hammered 4-0 by Australia in The Ashes. A 1-0 defeat to WI was a hard pill to swallow. As a result, Joe Root stepped down as England's captain in Test cricket.
England set to host New Zealand
Interestingly, England's first assignment, with McCullum in charge, would be against NZ. The Kiwis will tour England for three Tests, starting June 2. England will then host India for the rescheduled fifth Test from the 2021 series (India lead 2-1). The two teams will then clash in three T20Is and as many ODIs. England will also host South Africa for three Tests in August-September.
When will McCullum join the England squad?
As per ESPNcricinfo, McCullum is expected to link up with the England squad, led by star all-rounder Ben Stokes, ahead of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, starting June 2. McCullum will also have a say in next week's selection meeting.
