England have parted company with Brendon McCullum as Test coach after the ECB chose a fresh direction for the side in the wake of Ben Stokes stepping away from red-ball duties. The move arrived just a day after McCullum steered the team to the pinnacle of the T20 standings, although he will keep his post with the white-ball squads.

McCullum described himself as gutted upon learning his services were no longer needed and confirmed he would play no part in planning for the upcoming three-match series versus Pakistan in August and September.

The announcement timing stands out given that England face three ODIs against India next week followed by a full month without matches. McCullum addressed reporters at length on Saturday after a strong 4-0 T20 series victory over India and showed no sign he anticipated the change.

McCullum and Stokes produced a striking early impact as a side that had secured just one win in its prior 17 Tests then claimed 10 of the first 11 under their guidance through an aggressive style quickly labelled Bazball. Results have since tailed off with only three victories in the last 11 outings including a heavy Ashes loss and growing strain in his bond with Stokes. He departs with 27 wins 20 defeats and two draws across 49 matches.

I have truly enjoyed leading the Test side and feel immense pride in what we accomplished together McCullum said. There have been remarkable highs along with some challenging moments yet that forms part of embracing such a demanding task. It has been a privilege and an honour and I am thankful to the players the staff and the supporters who backed us throughout.

Naturally I feel disappointed not to continue yet I accept the call. My attention now turns to committing fully to the white-ball teams and aiding England progress further.

I wish the Test side every success ahead. Plenty of ability exists in that dressing room and they represent a fine group of players. I will always support the lads with a positive outlook and hope they maintain an attacking approach. I am confident they will keep delivering moments that inspire pride.

After Stokes endorsed white-ball captain Harry Brook as his replacement and Brook signalled interest in the role while sharing a close bond with McCullum the expectation was that the duo would attempt to mirror their T20 achievements in Tests. Instead the ECB pursued a clean break with chief executive Richard Gould stating the moment had arrived to refresh the setup ahead of targeting Ashes success next summer.

Rob Key the ECB managing director of mens cricket noted that several standout England moments in recent times came under McCullums Test leadership. It has been a genuine pleasure to observe how he influenced the teams mindset in a way the players embraced and helped nurture emerging talent set to feature prominently for years. He leaves the Test side in a strong position ready for future accomplishments.