Ben Stokes Hails Brendon McCullum's Appointment as England's White-Ball Coach

England Test captain Ben Stokes applauds the appointment of Brendon McCullum as England's white-ball coach. He believes Jos Buttler will benefit from McCullum's coaching style that encourages players to express themselves. McCullum, also the Test team coach, will lead both formats starting January 2025.

England Test skipper Ben Stokes expressed his satisfaction with the appointment of Brendon McCullum as the Three Lions' white-ball coach, stating that Jos Buttler will enjoy working under him. McCullum provides a platform for players to express themselves, Stokes noted. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed McCullum's dual role as part of a strategic restructure.

Stokes, attending an event in London, called the move 'unbelievable' and praised McCullum's past achievements with the Test side. 'I was very surprised by the news. It's an unbelievable move for English cricket to have a coach in charge of all the teams. Baz has done amazing work with the Test side,' Stokes told ESPNCricinfo.

Stokes is enthusiastic about the white-ball team under McCullum's leadership. 'I'm excited for the white-ball team to have Baz. Jos will enjoy having him as coach. Many new faces in the team will benefit from his guidance at the international level,' he shared.

Adding that McCullum allows players to perform freely without added pressure, Stokes humorously admitted he would have kept McCullum exclusively for the Test side out of 'selfishness.' However, as an England cricket fan, he sees McCullum as the ideal choice. 'If I were selfish, I'd say no. But as an England cricket fan, there's no better person for the job,' he concluded.

Brendon McCullum, appointed as the Test team coach in May 2022, has promoted an aggressive playing style dubbed 'Bazball.' His contract now extends through 2027. Starting January 2025, McCullum will assume both the Test and white-ball coaching roles, succeeding Matthew Mott after England's failures to defend the 2023 50-over and 2024 T20 World Cup titles.

Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick will lead England against Australia and in their tour of the West Indies. Following the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, McCullum will take a brief break in New Zealand before rejoining the team for their winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand later this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)