Brendon McCullum has been dismissed from his position as England's men's Test coach following the retirement of captain Ben Stokes.

Context

The England and Wales Cricket Board is seeking a fresh start for the Test team after recent changes in leadership.S1S2

Key points

• McCullum expressed that he was "gutted" by the decision.S1

• He had been in the role for four years prior to his dismissal.S2

• The decision follows Stokes's retirement from red-ball cricket.S1

• McCullum will remain as the coach for England's white-ball teams.S1

• The ECB aims to revitalize the Test side with new leadership.S1

• England is currently without both a Test head coach and a captain.S2

• McCullum's departure comes shortly after England topped the T20 rankings.S1

• The ECB's decision reflects a significant shift in the team's direction.S1

Why it matters

• The change in coaching could impact England's performance in Test cricket.S1

• A new head coach may bring different strategies and philosophies to the team.S1

• The absence of a captain and coach raises questions about the team's immediate future.S2

What to watch

• Monitor the ECB's search for a new Test head coach.S1

• Watch for announcements regarding the new captain for the Test team.S2

• Observe how McCullum's continued role in white-ball cricket evolves.S1