The new Test head coach says he was never interested in the vacant white-ball role and believes he can turn a new generation of fans onto the longest format
The challenge of turning around "rock bottom" England was too good an opportunity to turn down, according to new men's Test head coach Brendon McCullum.
Chris Silverwood's permanent successor will leave his role with Kolkata Knight Riders at the end of the ongoing Indian Premier League to lead the red-ball side, who have won one of their last 17 Tests.
A separate white-ball coach will be installed by managing director of England men's cricket Rob Key in due course, a position McCullum - despite his limited-overs coaching experience - was never interested in applying for.
Instead, he is keen to be the person who turns around England's fortunes in the Test arena and inspires a new wave of interest in the format.
"I looked at the two roles, and the white ball didn’t interest me too much," he told New Zealand radio station SENZ.
McCullum's first assignment comes against countrymen New Zealand in June (Marty Melville/Getty Images)
"That team is flying, they are one of the best teams in the world, they are world champions since 2019, Eoin Morgan is in there, who’s a very good friend of mine and has built a structure and a system that will continue well after he finishes playing.
"I wasn’t really interested in a cushy gig. If you are prepared to change your life for something it’s got to be a bit grunty, meaty.
"The challenge of trying to bring a team that is rock bottom at the moment out of that situation to build something that is long-term, sustainable and successful, that is where the challenge lay.
"I love Test cricket, the opportunity to coach England, spend time around the tradition and history of the game, it became so appealing for those reasons.
"Plus if we can get England to a level where people want to watch us play Test cricket because of the style of play, the personalities involved, because it’s entertaining, then Test cricket has a chance not just of surviving but thriving."
The first task facing McCullum will come against his New Zealand countryman in three June Tests.
McCullum takes over a red-ball team who are one win from 17 (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
A forward-thinking, progressive and ambitious captain during his extensive playing career, McCullum hopes to bring all of that and more to his tenure with England.
"I think Test cricket is on a downward trend in regards to popularity," said McCullum, who has signed a four-year deal.
"Whilst I’m lucky to have a career in franchise cricket, Tests are my real love.
"I look at it and think if anyone is able to reinvigorate Test cricket and make it popular to the next generation, it’s going to be England.
"If you can be at the forefront of that, playing an attractive brand, with a smile on your face, trying to entertain, then Test cricket has a chance.
"Once you strip that out, I thought, ‘Crikey I have to give it a crack if they think I’m the right guy’. It all happened quickly but I’m humbled and delighted."
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