England

England Test skipper Ben Stokes has expressed 'surprise' over the appointment of Brendon McCullum as the English side's all-format coach. McCullum had been England's Test coach since 2022 and now has been given the added responsibility of white-ball as well. He replaces Matthew Mott who was sacked following England's failure to defend the T20 World Cup title, earlier in 2024.

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"I was very surprised by the news. First and foremost, I think it's an unbelievable move for English cricket to go back to having a coach in charge of all the teams. You look at what Baz has achieved with the Test side, it's been amazing," said Stokes as reported by news agency IANS citing cricket news website ESPNCricinfo.

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Stokes, however, is super excited for McCullum to work with white-ball skipper Jos Buttler during a time when England is facing criticism for failing to defend both their ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup titles.

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"I'm really excited for the white-ball team to have the opportunity to be able to work with Baz, listen to him speak, and hear his opinions. I think Jos is going to really, really enjoy having him as his coach to work with," Stokes said.

"And you look at all the new faces who are coming into that white-ball team now, I couldn't think of a better person for them to come in and work under at international level for the first time. He just gives everyone the platform to go out and enjoy themselves. Baz never puts any added pressure on anybody's shoulders," he added.

McCullum will start his twin role from January 2025. Interim white-ball head coach Marcus Trescothick will fulfil his role during the upcoming Australia series as well as the Caribbean tour in November as well.

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"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I'm excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides," McCullum said on his appointment.

McCullum had shown little to no interest in the role earlier, given the hectic schedule of England. He, however, took the job after assurance from the director of men's cricket Rob Key.