Kolkata Knight Riders Coach Brendon McCullum is now England men's Test coach

McCullum replaced Chris Silverwood, who departed the team in February after England's disappointing 4-0 loss in the Ashes in Australia. Now, the 40-year-old will train the team alongside Paul Collingwood as a caretaker coach. The former is still in charge of the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, but the ECB confirmed that McCullum would be free to start his job when New Zealand visits for a three-Test series at Lord's slated to kickstart on June 2.

McCullum has a clear vision

McCullum is no longer alien to initiating change within a team environment, and he is immensely thrilled to start his new role. ECB managing director Rob Key declared the news alongside his approval for the former New Zealand skipper taking control. Key said that it is a privilege to know him and understand his views and vision for the game. He has a remarkable record in transforming the landscape of cricket for the better, and Key has no doubts about McCullum doing the same for England's red-ball cricket.

"We were incredibly fortunate to have a seriously strong list of quality candidates for the post, with Brendon demonstrating he was our number one choice," remarked Key. Before ECB decided, former South Africa and India head coach Gary Kirsten had been shortlisted, and Collingwood was also one of the contenders. McCullum is known to have hit the fastest century ever recorded in the history of Test cricket as he played the last of his 101 Tests at Christchurch in 2016 against Australia. It took him just 54 balls to score the century. He finished his career with 6,453 runs, including 12 hundred and 31 half-centuries.

McCullum is looking forward to working with Ben Stokes

McCullum will be operating alongside newly-appointed Test captain Ben Stokes to take England out of a slump after the team won only one of their last 17 matches. Key terms the pairing as a "formidable coach and captain partnership". McCullum clarified that he is firmly aware of the significant challenges faced by the team present, and he believes in his ability to help the team make a stronger comeback. He additionally gushed about Ben Stokes being the perfect character who could inspire change around him, and he looks forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around them.