Brendon McCullum is SACKED as England Test head coach

Brendon McCullum has been sacked as England Test coach in the latest twist to the side.

McCullum’s dismissal comes a fortnight after Test captain Ben Stokes made the stunning decision to retire from international cricket.

And now with both head coach and captain gone, the era of Bazball is now over.

McCullum will remain as England’s white-ball coach but departs the Test side after a string of poor results – which included the damning 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia.

England have lost seven of their last nine Tests which includes the Ashes humiliation as well as the recent 2-1 home series defeat by New Zealand.

The defeat by the Black Caps – England’s first in a home series of at least three Tests for 14 years – was overshadowed by a nightclub incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson, then Stokes’ abrupt retirement.

Director of cricket Rob Key will remain in his position, with the decision to remove McCullum coming after the hierarchy of the England and Wales Cricket Board spent time reflecting on the situation surrounding the men’s team.

‘I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,’ said McCullum. ‘There have been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this.

‘Of course I’m gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward.’