England’s Test head coach, Brendon McCullum, has stepped down as England Test coach, bringing an end to the four-year stint. He, along with Ben Stokes, transformed the side’s identity since 2022 but ultimately failed to do well in the Ashes, either home or away.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Sunday that McCullum will continue as head coach of the men’s white-ball teams. But his decision brought England to a situation as they begin the search for a successor ahead of next summer’s Ashes.

“I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” McCullum admitted. “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.”

However, the decision follows England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year, and it came just weeks after Stokes retired from international cricket. Although both men retained the ECB’s backing after a post-tour review, the Ashes showed differences in approach that had remained largely behind the scenes as well. Ahead of the home summer, Stokes also dismissed suggestions of a rift, insisting they remained aligned and would work together “in a slightly different way” after four years in charge as well.

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“Brendon breathed new life into England Men’s Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories, and we’re grateful for all he has given to the role,” ECB chief executive Richard Gould said. “We now believe that the time is right to make a change for the Test team as we target victory in The Ashes next summer.”

Brendon McCullum, whose contract runs until the end of 2027, was appointed Test coach in 2022 and, along with Ben Stokes, started an aggressive style of cricket that became synonymous with “Bazball”. In September 2024, McCullum’s responsibilities expanded when he was handed the white-ball teams as well, replacing Matthew Mott as well.

Under McCullum, and with Harry Brook as captain, England reached the semifinal of this year’s T20 World Cup as well and recently climbed to No. 1 in the ICC men’s T20I rankings after defeating India 4-0.

“Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team,” managing director Rob Key said. “It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team… He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things.”

However, the ECB said that the recruitment process for England’s next Test head coach will begin immediately.