LONDON: Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new England Men’s Test head coach, England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.
McCullum, who was being considered the top candidate to take on the position, has officially been appointed by the ECB.
The legendary Kiwi batter, who has never coached a first-class match yet, will experience his first assignment in a Test series against his home side New Zealand in June, whom he represented in 432 matches amid his prolonged 14 years career.
According to the details, the ECB’s selection panel of Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison, Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket Rob Key, Strategic Adviser Andrew Strauss and Performance Director Mo Bobat unanimously agreed that McCullum is an outstanding candidate for the role, having impressed during the competitive interview process.
Commenting on McCullum’s appointment, the newly appointed managing director of ECB Rob Key talked to the media and said that McCullum’s appointment would be good for England’s Test side, who is known for changing cricket culture.
“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,” Key said.
“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,” he added.
“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,” Key concluded.
McCullum, on the other hand, also commented on his appointment by revealing the immense pleasure the former Kiwi captain is experiencing while also can not wait to get started and bring a change.
“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,” McCullum said.
“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’m no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can’t wait to get started,” he added.
McCullum then praised the newly-appointed Test captain Ben Stokes and termed him the perfect character to inspire change around him.
“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,” McCullum concluded.
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