Jos Buttler Says Brendon McCullum’s Removal As Test Coach A Blessing For England

Brendon McCullum and Jos Buttler [Source: AFP]The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently parted ways with Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach. The former New Zealand skipper was sacked from his high-profile role after England’s home Test series defeat at the hands of New Zealand a couple of months ago.While McCullum has since been replaced by fellow New Zealander Stephen Fleming, the 2015 World Cup runner-up will continue to helm the England cricket team as its head coach in ODIs and T20Is, at least up until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa next year.Legendary opener and former England skipper Jos Buttler, meanwhile, just explained how McCullum’s removal as Test coach will benefit England’s white-ball teams in the long run.Jos Buttler explains how Brendon McCullum can “solely focus on white-ball cricket”While speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, former England captain and legendary opener Jos Buttler explained that Brendon McCullum’s removal as Test coach can now help the New Zealander to focus solely on England’s white-ball future.He also added that England cricket team’s chances of winning the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year have now significantly improved, as McCullum will not be concerned about England’s Test future.Also Read- Brendon McCullum Reminds English Players Of Their Limits Through Brydon CarseJos Buttler said “He's only got one focus now and that is the white ball. It's not that he couldn't do everything, because he could, but your time is more spread and you've got more to think about with the Test team as well.”The former England skipper added “Now he can focus solely on white-ball cricket - T20, yes, but mainly ODI cricket with that World Cup on the horizon. It seems like Baz is naturally all in on, 'how do I win this World Cup with this team?' I think he can sort of see that World Cup is not that far away. It's a real target, now his remit has changed from four months ago being in charge of everything to, 'right, I can really nail down on this'. He's just got more time and more focus on that.”England’s white-ball fortunes gain positive momentum since McCullum’s Test exitCompatible to the recent remarks of Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball fortunes have already witnessed a dramatic improvement over the past few weeks.It is worth noting that England’s ODI journey has been a topsy-turvy one ever since they lifted the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at home. Under the leadership of Buttler, England endured one of the worst title-defence campaigns in history during the 2023 World Cup in India, finishing even below the likes of Afghanistan and Pakistan on the points table. Meanwhile, ever since Brendon McCullum was sacked as Test coach, the English team has registered back-to-back 2-1 series win at home over Team India and Sri Lanka. With the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup now firmly on the horizon, McCullum’s undivided attention to England’s white-ball setup could prove crucial in shaping the team’s fortunes ahead of the marquee tournament.Jos Buttler ruled out of Pakistan tour, delivers return updateJos Buttler was ruled out of England’s upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan next month owing to an injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka last week. Coach Brendon McCullum has even stated that the legendary opener is also a doubtful starter for England’s squad for their white-ball tour of Australia this November.Addressing a timeline for his return, Buttler said “I've had a scan and I'm waiting to see the specialist. Then we'll know what the next steps are.”All in all, it remains to be seen when the former skipper can make his way back into the national squad and re-join coach Brendon McCullum in England’s quest for the 2027 World Cup.Also Read- Senwes Park, Pitch Report, Potchefstroom Weather Report For AUS vs SA 3rd ODI 2026