ENGLAND have announced Brendon McCullum as Test Head Coach and he has expressed his excitement to work with new captain Ben Stokes.
The 40-year-old will be in place to start his role for next month’s LV= Insurance three-match Test series against New Zealand subject to obtaining a work visa.
The Test series is due to get underway at Lord’s on June 2.
On his appointment, McCullum said: “I’d like to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity to positively contribute to England’s Test cricket set-up and move the team forward into a more successful era.
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we’ve confronted them head-on.
“I’ve enjoyed several robust conversations with Rob Key about the direction of travel for the team and have found his enthusiasm contagious.
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“I’m no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can’t wait to get started.”
McCullum is also stoked to work with new captain Stokes, who “inspires change around him”.
The former Cricketer continued: “Ben Stokes is the perfect character to inspire change around him, and I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us.”
Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket Rob Key says McCullum has a knack of “changing cricket culture and environments for the better”.
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Key is also looking forward to seeing McCullum and Stokes’ “formidable coach and captain partnership”.
He said: “We are delighted to confirm Brendon as England Men’s Test Head Coach.
“It has been a real privilege to get to know him and understand his views and vision for the game.
“I believe his appointment will be good for England’s Test team.
“He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better, and I believe he is the person to do that for England’s red-ball cricket.
“We were incredibly fortunate to have a seriously strong list of quality candidates for the post, with Brendon demonstrating he was our number one choice.”
Key continued: “I believe in Brendon and Ben Stokes – a formidable coach and captain partnership.
“Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride.”
