What you need to know about Brendon McCullum's England future as Ashes torture continues - The Mirror

What you need to know about Brendon McCullum's England future as Ashes torture continues

The latest on head coach Brendon McCullum's future with England looking set to lose the Ashes before Christmas

12:46, 18 Dec 2025

Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum is coming under mounting pressure amid England's disastrous Ashes tour(Image: Getty Images)

Everything you need to know

  1. Expanded Role Scope: Brendon McCullum has transitioned from being only the Test coach to becoming the head coach for England across all formats. Earlier this year, he officially took charge of the One Day International (ODI) and T20 teams in addition to his red-ball duties.
  2. Contract Extension: To coincide with his new responsibilities, McCullum signed a significant contract extension with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). His previous deal, which was set to expire in early 2026, has been extended until the end of 2027.
  3. Unified Coaching Structure: This appointment marked a return to a single-coach model for the first time since 2022, following a period during which the roles were split. The ECB insisted the "strategic restructure" would better align the teams and create a more consistent environment for players.
  4. Key Future Milestones: The duration of the contract ensures that McCullum will lead England through several major upcoming events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, a home Ashes series in 2027 and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
  5. Scheduling Alignment: The decision to combine roles was made possible by a shift in the international cricket calendar starting in 2025. Reduced scheduling clashes between different formats allow McCullum the necessary time to focus on both the red-ball and white-ball squads.
  6. Security and Commitment: Despite recent scrutiny during the 2025 Ashes series in Australia, McCullum remains committed to his long-term vision for the team. His current contract provides substantial security, as reports suggest a potential early termination would cost the ECB a seven-figure sum.

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