Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRory DollardMonday 13 July 2026 15:33 BSTEngland Test cricket captain Ben Stokes announces his retirementBrendon McCullum has been removed from his role as England's Test head coach, apologising to fans for the team's performance and acknowledging that it is "time for someone else to have a go".McCullum, who had held the red-ball position since 2022, admitted he was axed despite the England and Wales Cricket Board's statement euphemistically saying he had "stood down".The decision follows a series of poor results, including seven defeats in the last nine matches, culminating in a 2-1 series loss to New Zealand.His tenure was also marked by an Ashes defeat over the winter and an inability to win marquee series against Australia and India, leading him to accept responsibility for the team's shortcomings.Despite his departure from the Test role, McCullum will continue to manage England's limited-overs (white-ball) teams.In fullBrendon McCullum apologises to England fans after axing as Test coachMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in