Brendon McCullum is mates with a number of guys but we will focus on cricket: Kane Williamson

Former New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum was appointed as the coach of the England Test team last month. His first task is seeing his current team hosting New Zealand in a three-match Test series which commenced today (June 2). New Zealand captain and McCullum’s former teammate Kane Williamson stressed that the former’s presence in the English camp will not affect his team.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) nominated McCullum as the coach after the panel unanimously selected the New Zealander, stating that he was an “outstanding candidate for the role,” as quoted by India Today. His term has begun with England hosting the first match of the series at Lord’s. This will also be England’s all-rounder, Ben Stokes’ first match after being appointed as captain of England.

For us, it’s focusing on what we want to do: Kane Williamson

“Well, we’re good mates and he’s mates with a number of the guys and there’s a lot of history there but cricket’s cricket you know?” said the Kiwi skipper ahead of the series. “For us, it’s focusing on what we want to do and no doubt they’ll be working hard and Brendon will be certainly getting right in the mix of things to do what he does.”

Williamson believes that the series is going to be an exciting contest and one that his team looks forward to. Several players in the New Zealand camp including the skipper have previously played under McCullum during his tenure as the New Zealand captain. McCullum retired from all forms of international cricket in 2016.

“A great opportunity for Brendon and such a positive guy and an amazing leader as well. He does tend to have a strong impact wherever he goes and clearly the English set-up has seen some strong qualities in him that they want as a part of their set-up. It’s exciting,” Williamson added.

This is also Williamson’s first international series since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2022. The ECB also announced Ben Stokes as the captain of the team after Joe Root stepped down from the position, following the series defeat against West Indies.