Brendon McCullum believes his relationship with Harry Brook has 'blossomed' over past 18 months

Brendon McCullum has spoken positively about his working relationship with Harry Brook, describing how their partnership has developed since McCullum took on a broader coaching role across England's white-ball formats. Brook has captained England's T20 and ODI sides since Jos Buttler stepped down from the position in April 2025. The two have worked closely together through a period that has included both successes and setbacks for the national team.

McCullum stepped away from his Test coaching role in July 2026, a month after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket in dramatic fashion. The transition came after McCullum had led England's Test side since May 2022, overseeing a period that included both aggressive cricket and significant defeats. During his Test tenure, England played 44 Tests between 2019 and 2022 before McCullum's appointment, winning 15 and losing 22.

How has McCullum described his partnership with Brook?

McCullum has described his working relationship with Brook in glowing terms, emphasising how their partnership has strengthened over the past 18 months as they have worked together across England's white-ball formats. The coach and captain have developed a strong understanding during a period that has tested both their leadership and tactical abilities.

"In a funny way, I think, sort of now, Harry and I, our relationship as the captain and coach over the last 18 months or so has really blossomed, and I think we work fantastically well together," McCullum said.

What has McCullum said about Brook's leadership qualities?

McCullum also praised Brook's tactical acumen and his standing within the England dressing room. The coach noted that Brook has matured significantly in his leadership role over the past year, earning the respect of his teammates through his approach to captaincy and his understanding of the game's demands.

"He's grown immensely as a leader in the last 12 months in particular. He's obviously a brilliant tactician, but he commands the respect of the dressing room as well," McCullum said.

England's white-ball teams faced challenges in their tri-series campaign in the subcontinent. The ODI side suffered an 87-run defeat to Pakistan in their opening match in Rawalpindi. England's T20 side currently holds the top ranking in the global T20 standings, though the ODI team looked to improve their form as the tournament progressed. England faced Sri Lanka in their next tri-series match on Thursday, October 22, with the team aiming to recover from their opening loss and build momentum in the competition.