'He's got an aura in the dressing-room' - Harry Brook backs under-fire Brendon McCullum to remain England coach

Mar 6, 2026 - 10:15

Brendon McCullum & Harry Brook (Photo by Matt Roberts-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

England white-ball captain Harry Brook has backed under-pressure Brendon McCullum to remain as England head coach after the Three Lions exited the T20 World Cup following defeat to India in the semi-final on Thursday, March 5.

England have ended an underwhelming winter which saw them lose the Ashes 4-1 and also suffered a 3-0 ODI series loss to New Zealand. The only positive to come out in recent months is their two white-ball series wins away to Sri Lanka prior to the start of the T20 World Cup.

Brook suggested that McCullum’s arrival has transformed English cricket and has uplifted the dressing room to new heights ever since his arrival back in 2022.

"125 per cent. He's the best head coach I've ever had. The way that he speaks to everyone, the way he's got an aura in the dressing-room. The things he did as a player were unbelievable and he's just carried that into his coaching. The things he's done over four years have changed English cricket, hopefully for the best,” Brook was quoted as saying on Wisden.

Chasing a mammoth 254 in the T20 World Cup semi-final, England fought bravely and fell only seven runs short in the end. This was mainly down to Jacob Bethell’s maiden T20I hundred, scoring 105 off just 48 balls.

The Three Lions, however, could be proud of their efforts at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Brook’s side suffered just one defeat in the tournament against West Indies in the Group Stage before losing to India in the semi-final. They won all three of their Super 8 games against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan. The captain himself scored a brilliant century against the latter on a tricky Pallekele wicket against Pakistan.

McCullum and England’s next assignment comes at the start of the English summer when they face New Zealand in a three-match Test series before welcoming India for a white-ball tour consisting of three ODIs and five T20Is.