Brendon McCullum has been sacked as head coach of England’s men’s Test team after four years in the role, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announcing the change. Multiple reports say McCullum’s departure follows closely on from captain Ben Stokes’ decision to step down and retire from international cricket. With McCullum leaving the Test coaching position, England are left without a Test head coach, creating a vacancy to be filled ahead of the next Test series against Pakistan next month.

Several outlets also report that McCullum is expected to continue working with England cricket in a different capacity, leading the white-ball teams rather than the Test side. Commentary in some sources notes McCullum has spoken publicly about the decision after learning he would no longer be in charge of Tests, including references to apologising to fans for results and accepting that it is time for another person to take over.

While some coverage frames the move as an abrupt break in the team’s recent Test approach, all accounts agree on the key points: McCullum leaves as Test coach, a replacement process begins, and he continues with England’s limited-overs setup.