Former England cricketer and ODI World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan wants Brendon McCullum to take over English white-ball teams. Speaking ahead of Day 4 of the 2nd Test match against Sri Lanka, Morgan said that England should try and convince McCullum to take over the white-ball set-up as well.
The England men’s white-ball coaching position has been lying vacant since the T20 World Cup 2024. Matthew Mott resigned as the head coach of the team after back to back failures in the ODI World Cup 2023, and then in recent tournament at the Caribbean. Former England batter Marcus Trescothick took over the position in interim basis and is going to coach England in the upcoming white-ball series against Australia.
Morgan had strong views on the matter and said that if he was in the position of Rob Key – the head of the English and Wales Cricket Board, he would have tried to bring McCullum to the white-ball fold as well. Morgan argued that if there was an issue with time, McCullum could be onboarded on a hybrid model, much like what Pakistan did with Mickey Arthur ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023.
“If I was Rob Key I would be asking him what can we do to make this happen. He has made such a significant difference to this Test side, he can help Jos Buttler and his team,” Morgan told Sky Sports.
“Even if that was a hybrid version in some form or another. He wouldn’t have to be there day in day out for each and every bilateral series. You talk about players being mobile because of the landscape of the game. Why can’t we do that with coaches when the options arise?” he further added.
“The England coach should be the most sought after job in the game. Why would you want him to go off and do IPL. Have him come in, do a handful of bilateral series throughout the year and then be there for the major moments. Breathe fresh air into that changing room and confidence and belief,” concluded the legendary captain.
Under McCullum’s leadership, England have tried to play a fresh brand of cricket. They drew the Ashes series at home against Australia but lost to India 4-1 earlier in 2024. McCullum’s approach with the England team has been liked by many as former New Zealand batter has been able to play an entertaining brand of cricket in England.
