Bazball era officially ends as ECB seeks new leadership
Trevor Marshallsea
Bazball appears to be over with Brendon McCullum being sacked as England Test coach.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Sunday (London time) that the New Zealander will step down as the country’s Test coach with immediate effect but will continue to lead the England men’s white-ball teams.
McCullum said he was “gutted” to see his four years as manager come to an end, but he respected the ECB’s decision.
McCullum’s sacking, which comes just two weeks after the shock retirement of captain Ben Stokes, appears to close the latest chapter of England’s controversial Bazball experiment, in which England have eschewed the traditional Test match approach and employed boldly aggressive, many would say reckless, strategies.
England under McCullum recorded 25 wins, 17 defeats and two draws in 44 Tests.
However, criticism of Bazball in England came to a head following their painful 4-1 defeat in Australia last summer.
In a statement released by the ECB, McCullum said he “loved coaching the Test side” and was “incredibly proud of what we have achieved together”.
“There have been some incredible highs and a few tough days, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this,” the former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman said.
“It’s been a privilege and an honour, and I’m grateful. I’m grateful to the players, staff and fans who have supported us on this journey.”
“Of course I’m gutted not to continue, but I respect the decision. My focus now is to give everything I have to the white-ball teams and help England progress.”
“I wish the Test team nothing but success. There is so much talent in the dressing room and they are a special group of lads.”
“I will always support the kids with a smile on my face and hope they continue playing. I know they will continue to make people proud.”
ECB chairman Richard Gould said McCullum had “breathed new life” into England’s Test team, delivering some “incredible victories” and that the Board was “grateful for everything he has put into this role”.
“We believe now is the time to make a change for the Test team as we target victory in The Ashes next summer,” Gould said.
England men’s chief executive Rob Key said some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history had come during McCullum’s tenure.
“For a team the players love, it has been an absolute privilege to see him shape the team’s mentality and develop a new generation of talent that will be at the heart of England men’s teams for years to come,” said Key.
“It leaves the testing team primed and ready to achieve great things.”
Noting that McCullum’s England T20 team has recently become the world’s No. 1 team, the ECB said the search for a new Test coach will now begin.
AAP
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