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Nasser Hussain has voiced strong opposition to the idea of Brendon McCullum assuming responsibility for coaching both England’s Test and white-ball teams. 

According to Hussain, while the single-coach approach has succeeded in countries like India under Rahul Dravid’s tenure, he believes it may not be the optimal choice for McCullum.

Nasser Hussain has expressed skepticism regarding Brendon McCullum’s suitability to coach England across all formats.

Matthew Mott’s sudden resignation as England’s white-ball coach, effective July 30, 2024, has ignited discussions across the cricketing community. With Marcus Trescothick stepping in temporarily, questions have arisen about the feasibility of one coach managing all formats effectively.

Nasser Hussain has weighed in on the debate, expressing reservations about Brendon McCullum taking on dual coaching roles for England’s Test and white-ball teams. While acknowledging Rahul Dravid’s successful stint coaching India across all formats, Hussain cautioned against assuming similar success for McCullum. He emphasized the rigorous demands faced by modern coaches and speculated that McCullum might prefer a role that allows for personal time and potential commitments to other cricketing ventures, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

As the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) searches for a new white-ball head coach, Hussain’s insights underscore the complexities involved in coaching multiple formats and the unique considerations facing potential candidates like McCullum.

I don’t think Brendon McCullum wants a white-ball job: Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain was quoted as saying by Sky Sports: “I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. It has worked for other nations… for India, Rahul Dravid did it very well, but I don’t think McCullum or others would want it [both jobs]. Coaches are quite happy having some time to themselves and have the ability to do some work in the IPL maybe—though whether an England coach could do that at the same time, I don’t know.”

Nasser Hussain responded to Matthew Mott’s unexpected resignation as England coach by acknowledging its regrettable nature while noting it wasn’t entirely surprising. Hussain highlighted Mott’s initial promising start, which built upon the successes of the previous coaching regime led by Eoin Morgan and Trevor Bayliss. Under Mott’s guidance, England achieved significant milestones, notably securing the ICC T20 World Cup title in 2022.

My first reaction is that it’s a bit of a shame: Nasser Hussain on Matthew Mott’s resignation

However, following those successes, England’s white-ball teams’ performance took a noticeable downturn. Nasser Hussain highlighted that disappointing showings in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup were pivotal factors leading to Matthew Mott’s departure. Mott’s departure was noteworthy given he had entered into a four-year contract with the ECB as the white-ball coach, which concluded prematurely.

Hussain signed off by saying, “My first reaction is that it’s a bit of a shame, but not unexpected. Ultimately, you’re judged by results. Results started very well, on the back of continuing the Eoin Morgan/Trevor Bayliss era… they had that immediate success, winning the T20 World Cup in 2022. But since then, it’s gone completely in the other direction. The 50-over World Cup [in 2023] was a poor, poor performance, really. They were so far off the mark, in terms of results and decision-making.”