His candidature for the Test job has perhaps come as a surprise. But, while often remembered for his cavalier white-ball game, McCullum featured in 101 Tests for New Zealand between 2004 and 2016
Brendon McCullum is the new head coach of England men's Test team.
The 40-year-old, who masterminded New Zealand's rise in the last decade as captain, fills the void left by Chris Silverwood, who departed his role in February following the Ashes defeat in Australia.
McCullum is currently in India, where he is Kolkata Knight Riders head coach in the Indian Premier League, having represented his country on 432 occasions during his playing days.
He will give up his position with KKR at the end of their run in the IPL in order to take up the reins with England, subject to the granting of a work visa. He is understood to have agreed a four-year contract with the ECB.
Brendon McCullum is the new England men's Test head coach [Getty Images]
When Rob Key, the new managing director for England men's cricket, announced his intention to split the head-coaching roles into red-ball and white-ball responsibilities, it was initially assumed that McCullum would come under consideration for the limited-over job, especially given his close relationship with white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, who has often credited him with inspiring England's white-ball revival from 2015.
So, his candidature for the Test job has perhaps come as a surprise. But often remembered for his cavalier white-ball game, McCullum featured in 101 Tests for New Zealand between 2004 and 2016, marking his retirement from the format with a remarkable, typically belligerent century, in which he struck 145 off just 79 balls.
New Zealand's resurgence as a Test force – which culminated in their crowning as world champions last year – began under his stewardship, and the prospect of his partnership with Ben Stokes, the new captain (and also born in New Zealand), is also intriguing, given their shared attacking instincts.
So, while he has never coached in first-class cricket (McCullum's only silverware as a coach came in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League, when he led Trinbago Knight Riders to their fourth title), Key will hope that his track record stands him in good stead as he seeks to arrest the slide of England's Test team, who have won just once in their last 18 matches.
BRENDON McCULLUM: FACTFILEBorn: September 27, 1981International caps: 101 Tests, 260 ODIs, 71 T20IsInternational runs: 6,453 Test, 6,083 ODI, 2,140 T20ICoaching experience: Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)Fact: McCullum was the first player to make 100 consecutive Test appearances from debut
Key was supported on the interview panel by ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, Andrew Strauss - acting in a consultancy role, and performance director Mo Bobat.
He said in an ECB press release: "[McCullum] has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better, and I believe he is the person to do that 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 No.1 choice.
"I believe in Brendon and Ben Stokes - a formidable coach and captain partnership. Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride."
McCullum is believed to have beaten Gary Kirsten to the job, with the South African once again – as he was when Silverwood was appointed – overlooked despite being an early favourite for the post.
McCullum is a surprise appointment in the role given his white-ball credentials [Getty Images]
Simon Katich, the former Australia international, is also understood to have been under consideration for the position.
It was the Kiwi who won over the ECB panel, however.
McCullum said: "In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we've confronted them head-on.
"I've enjoyed several robust conversations with Rob Key about the direction of travel for the team and have found his enthusiasm contagious. I'm no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can't wait to get started."
The recruitment process for the England men's white-ball coach is believed to be considerably less progressed. There is, however, less urgency to make an appointment with the first limited-overs international of the summer not due to take place until June 19.
McCullum's first task will be to contribute to the selection process for the England squad for the first Test of the summer - against New Zealand at Lord's from June 2.
That group is due to be announced next week, following the conclusion of the sixth round of the LV= Insurance County Championship.
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