Brendon McCullum Appointed As England's Test Coach, Signs Four-Year Deal: Report

England's New Test Coach: Former New Zealand cricket team captain Brendon McCullum has agreed a four-year contract with The England Cricket Board.

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum ( Image Source :Getty Images )

New Delhi: Former New Zealand cricket team captain Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new coach of England’s men’s Test team. McCullum has agreed a four-year contract, The Guardian reported. He will arrive in the UK later in May following the completion of the IPL, where is the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Interestingly, McCullum's first series in charge of the England team will be against New Zealand in June.

The development comes at a time when the England test side has fared poorly in recent matches, winning only one of its last 17 games. England's former coach Chris Silverwood stepped down in January after a string of poor performances in the Ashes. 

The team also faced a series defeat in the West Indies in March, prompting Joe Root to resign as captain. Ben Stokes was named as the side’s new captain last month.

"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," The Guardian quoted McCullum as saying.

"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. 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," the 40-year-old further said.

Apart from KKR, McCullum previously coached Trinbago Knight Riders to the 2020 Caribbean Premier League title. Although he has no experience as a national coach, he captained New Zealand in 31 of his 101 Test matches.