Jos Buttler looks forward to McCullum's innovative approach in white-ball cricket

England's white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, has expressed his enthusiasm for working with Brendon McCullum as the newly appointed head coach across all formats. Buttler, known for his aggressive playing style, believes that his mentality aligns well with McCullum's, who has brought an innovative approach to England's Test team. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced in September that McCullum would take charge of the white-ball sides, adding to his existing responsibilities as the Test team coach.

McCullum takes charge of white-ball cricket

In a significant shift for England cricket, McCullum, who has been head coach of the Test team since May 2022, was handed the responsibility for both the red-ball and white-ball formats, with his contract extended until the end of 2027. The transition will officially take place in January 2025, beginning with England’s white-ball tour of India, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy. McCullum’s success in revitalizing the Test side has made him a popular figure within the team, and his expanded role reflects the trust the ECB has placed in him to lead England across formats.

Until McCullum’s full-time appointment in 2025, Marcus Trescothick will serve as the Interim Head Coach for England’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia and the Caribbean tour later this year. McCullum’s extended role was strongly endorsed by former captain Eoin Morgan, and the shift comes after former white-ball coach Matthew Mott stepped down following England’s disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup, where they failed to defend their title.

"I have a bit of a relationship with [Brendon McCullum] Baz but I'm looking forward to spending more time with him. I'm looking forward to digging into the cricket side of things. He will help me so much as a captain," Buttler said. 

"We're similar in the way we see the game but just getting to spend time with him and opening my eyes to certain things or the other way around. For me, I want this to be the most enjoyable part of my career. I've played for a decent amount of time now so maybe a shift in the goalposts of what you really want to achieve and for me that's helping guys become what they can be and building towards two big events later on," he further added.

Buttler’s confidence in McCullum’s leadership

Jos Buttler has welcomed the move, expressing excitement at the prospect of digging into McCullum’s cricketing mind. Known for his aggressive and fearless brand of cricket, Buttler sees McCullum’s philosophy as a perfect match for his own playing style. Speaking about the appointment, Buttler said, “Brendon brings an exciting, forward-thinking approach, and I am looking forward to working closely with him to take England’s white-ball cricket to new heights.”

McCullum also shared his excitement about the expanded role, noting that he is ready to embrace the challenge of managing both the Test and white-ball teams. "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test squad, and I’m excited to extend that energy to the white-ball sides," McCullum said. "Working with someone like Jos Buttler, who shares the same aggressive outlook on the game, will be an exciting journey."

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As England gears up for a busy cricket calendar, Buttler and McCullum’s partnership is set to shape the future of England cricket in all formats, with high hopes of continued success and innovation under their leadership.