Root Disappointed After McCullum Leaves Test Coaching Role

Joe Root expressed his disappointment with Brendon McCullum departure in his post-coaching change statements. The England captain reflected on their working relationship and praised McCullum’s influence throughout his spell.

Following England’s 4-1 Ashes series loss to Australia in July 2026, Brendon McCullum resigned as Test team head coach. McCullum’s replacement was Stephen Fleming, a former New Zealand teammate. After Ben Stokes retired from international cricket in June, Joe Root took over as captain, causing a significant shift in England’s Test squad. Beginning on August 19, Root will lead England in a three-Test home series against Pakistan.

Root evaluates Fleming as the next Test manager.

Root complimented Fleming’s pick, citing his coaching and athletic credentials. Fleming captained the Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles and two Champions League Twenty20 crowns, while also captaining New Zealand in 111 Tests and building a strong reputation in franchise cricket. Fleming had no prior experience coaching an international red-ball team. “[Fleming and I] have crossed paths a bit over the last few years when he has coached different teams around the world.” I have always admired someone. I genuinely admired him as a player. He’s always seen himself as a captain first and foremost. His coaching record is excellent, albeit in T20 cricket. “There’s a lot I’m looking forward to in that regard,” Root remarked.

Joe analysed Archer’s workload during his first stint as captain.

Prior to a period of injuries that kept Archer out of a Test match for more than four years between 2021 and 2025, Root was accused of overusing Jofra Archer during his first stint as Test captain, bowling the seamer for 42 overs in his first international match in New Zealand in November 2019. Root has committed not to repeat Archer’s error in his second tenure as Test management.

“I suppose at times I over-bowled and over-used him. His current attack complements him quite well. [Now] there are other persons who could potentially fill a role that I could have previously assigned to Jofra. Root believes he is a generational talent capable of doing great things for England in all formats, including Test cricket. As I already stated, I did not get everything just correct the first time. I made mistakes, but he will play an essential role in what we accomplish in the future. “I’m very excited to work with him again,” he said.