Brendon McCullum's record as England Test coach: A complete report card of Bazball era

The ECB has shown the exit door to England men’s Test head coach Brendon McCullum following a chastening 2‑1 home series loss to New Zealand. The decision brings down the curtain on McCullum’s widely debated reign, which lasted more than four years after his appointment in May 2022.

Under McCullum, England embraced an enterprising batting philosophy, “Bazball”, designed to bat the opposition out of the game. The approach paid immediate dividends, with England winning 10 of their first 11 Tests under his charge.

But the momentum faltered overseas. England failed to reclaim the Ashes in Australia and stumbled in India’s Anthony de Mello Trophy. As the dust settles on McCullum’s rollercoaster tenure, here’s a breakdown of his record across formats and cycles.

England's overall Test record during Brendon McCullum's tenure

England's home record during McCullum's tenure

McCullum’s strongest returns came at home, where England looked dominant.

England's away record during McCullum's tenure

The Kiwi’s biggest frustration was England’s inability to consistently win abroad.

England's performances in WTC cycles under McCullum

England’s fortunes under McCullum spanned parts of two World Test Championship cycles. He took over in May 2022, midway through the 2021-23 cycle, and then oversaw the 2023-25 cycle from start to finish. He has left midway through the 2025-27 cycle.

Note: *McCullum was in charge of the latter part of the WTC 2021-23 cycle, beginning May 2022.

England's record by opposition during McCullum's tenure