Former England test coach Brendon McCullum apologised on Monday for failing to deliver the results expected during his four-year tenure, saying he accepted responsibility after being dismissed from the role.
McCullum, 44, was appointed England’s test coach in 2022 shortly after Ben Stokes became captain, overseeing an aggressive, attacking style of cricket that became known as “Bazball”.
Despite an encouraging start, England lost 20 of their 49 tests under McCullum, including seven of their last nine, and failed to win a five-test series against either Australia or India.
“It’s a results business and, unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the results we wanted and for that I’m sorry,” McCullum told BBC Sport.
“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.
“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.”
McCullum’s departure followed England’s 2-1 home series defeat by New Zealand last month and came days after Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket.
Pressure on the former New Zealand captain had intensified after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, while a series of off-field incidents also brought the team’s culture under scrutiny.
“Australia, we didn’t get the outcome we wanted there,” McCullum said.
“We obviously got beat by a good New Zealand side and that heaps more pressure on the results. At some stage, someone has to be responsible for that. I’ll put my hand up and will wear that.”
McCullum will remain in charge of England’s limited-overs teams through 2027.
