Brendon McCullum admits 'results weren't good enough' after England sacking

By SABC Sport
14th July 2026

Brendon McCullum admits his results as head coach of England's Test side were not good enough and it was probably for the best that he was relieved of his duties in the longest format.

McCullum was sacked from his duties of leading England in the red-ball cricket following a 2-1 series at home against New Zealand, which came after a disastrous Ashes Down Under.

The firing of the McCullum also come in the wake of the shock retirement of captain Ben Stokes with England now searching searching for a head coach and skipper for the Test side.

McCullum said: "I was disappointed, not just initially, but at the same time I fully respect the decision. We're in a results business and fundamentally our results weren't good enough. It's time for someone else to have a go.

"I don't think we got what we wanted really. Fundamentally, you want to be winning the big series. India and Australia are the marquee series and if you don't win those you haven't quite been able to achieve what you wanted to.

"I thought we had opportunities against both of those quality oppositions and we achieved some good stuff over the four years but, fundamentally, the results didn't live up to it at the back end, hence the decision was made.

"I look back on the time fondly and thank everyone that was involved in it. There has been moments where things could have turned various ways and we might be sitting here with a different discussion. You can't live in those moments, either. You're grateful for the opportunity, grateful for the relationships and efforts everyone has put in.

"For me, now it's about focussing all me attention, enthusiasm and knowledge I have of these players, the game and English cricket into the white-ball, to try to get us in a position where we're able to lift trophies and be a great representation on the field and off the field for the English fans, and for all those who support the English cricket team."

The ECB have already drawn up a shortlist for a new Test coach, and are understood to have made contact with their preferred candidates, with former England head coach Andy Flower the mooted favourite.