Brendon McCullum takes charge of England white-ball teams from January

Brendon McCullum is set to take full control of England's men's international teams from January 2024, as he adds the white-ball coaching role to his existing responsibilities as the red-ball coach. This decision follows a period of underperformance in the white-ball format, which led to the dismissal of former coach Matthew Mott. McCullum's contract has been extended to the end of 2027, aligning with the upcoming 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The restructuring of the coaching setup is a response to the challenges posed by a congested cricket schedule, which has made it difficult to manage the demands of both formats effectively. Rob Key, the managing director of men's cricket, emphasized the need for a unified coaching structure to better align the teams and enhance overall performance. The easing of the schedule starting in January is expected to facilitate this integration. Marcus Trescothick will lead the white-ball team in the interim, guiding them through upcoming series against Australia and the West Indies before McCullum officially takes over. McCullum expressed enthusiasm for this new challenge, highlighting his eagerness to work closely with the players and build on the existing foundations of the team. The overarching goal of this strategic move is to create an environment where players can thrive and compete at the highest level across all formats, ultimately aiming to restore England's standing in white-ball cricket.