Top News

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has been talking about what’s next for the team , after steering them to an ODI series win against India. And while England are still on the lookout for a fresh Test head coach, McCullum says he’s very much willing to team up with whoever ends up getting that role.

England wrapped up the three-match ODI series 2-1, thanks to a 27-run win over India in the last game at Lord’s. At the home ground, England put together a record List A score, 387/3. Ben Duckett made a brilliant 141, and then Jacob Bethell, along with Joe Root, chipped in with key half-centuries to get the job done and clinch the series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to interview candidates for the vacant Test coach spot this week. McCullum said the main idea should be for England to keep performing well across all formats of the game, not just one lane.

McCullum said:

“Collaboratively, I think once the new coach is put in place, we’ll have a good conversation around everything. I think ultimately as long as everyone wants what is right for English cricket, there will be some give and take on certain things.

“That is the way it is. There will be situations where you do have to give and there will be situations where the Test coach will give as well and fundamentally you are trying to get what is right for English cricket. I look forward to those conversations when the time comes.”

 

McCullum, not long ago, stepped away from his Test coach role but he quickly helped the white-ball setup get back to winning ways, with ODI and T20I series victories over India.

Also Read | MCC Makes Big Test Cricket Rule Change; BCCI Accepts New Playing Conditions

McCullum also made it clear that he won’t be taking part in the selection process for England’s next Test head coach. He said his attention stays firmly on improving the white-ball teams.

He Added:

“No, I have enough on my plate trying to work out the white-ball stuff. I’ll respectfully stay in my lane there.

“I think we’ve seen some growth in the side over the last couple of series and there is some more growth to come (with the white-ball teams), which is exciting and where my focus is on.”

Among the names being linked to the Test coaching position are former Australia coach Justin Langer and former England batter Jonathan Trott, after Andy Flower decided not to apply.

McCullum also confirmed that he will remain in England for The Hundred. He wants to keep a close watch on the competition and spot younger players who could turn into future stars for the national side.

“I’ll be around for The Hundred. It will be great to see some of England’s premier white-ball tournaments. If you’re white-ball coach, it’s good to be around for that! I look forward to seeing not just the guys who are in this (white-ball) squad, but also some of the next talent perform under the bright lights of The Hundred tournament.

“It will be good to be able to see that up close over the next four weeks or so. I’ll look to try and get around to those games to see that and hopefully we see some more talent.”