England set to sack Test coach Brendon McCullum, end of Bazball era, drinking guidelines, latest news

Brendon McCullum is reportedly set to be sacked as England’s Test coach.

SEN and Seven’s Tom Morris said a formal announcement on the 44-year-old Kiwi’s future will be made “as early as today” (Sunday AEST).

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“Still a chance he will continue leading the white ball teams,” Morris posted.

McCullum is currently the coach of the Test, ODI and T20 sides.

The decision would bring an end to the controversial Bazball era, just months after England’s review of the Ashes series backed both McCullum and ECB managing director Rob Key.

And it comes just days after England’s male cricketers were advised to avoid drinking alcohol on the day before and after matches under new behaviour guidelines.

A midnight curfew was introduced following the 4-1 series loss in Australia which concluded in January, blighted by allegations of a drinking culture.

There was further controversy during England’s recent 2-1 series defeat at home to New Zealand.

England captain Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket after the series, and Gus Atkinson were both omitted from the second Test at the Oval for breaking the curfew at a London nightclub following England’s win in the first Test.

There were ambiguities around the curfew, however, amid suggestions some England players, including Atkinson - who lives in London - did not think it applied once a game was over.

But in light of that incident the players had been issued with new guidance confirming the midnight curfew is in place on every day of a series at home or on tour.

McCullum then relaxed the new drinking guidelines after their 4-0 T20I series win over India.

“For a start, there’s not many of our guys that actually drink,” McCullum said, “but anyone that wants a beer can have a beer, yes.

“The guidelines are in place. People are very aware of the guidelines. They’ve been sent around. The policy is designed to make sure that people are being looked after and making the right decisions.

“I trust the players completely. All the information is there. You still have to feel the warmth of success and if you are someone that likes a beer, then tonight is a great opportunity to be able to enjoy yourself - as long as it’s sensible, and it’s not to excess - and allow something that you’ve achieved over the last ten days or so sink in the way that you want it to.

“But everyone’s very aware of it (the guidance) and I think we’ll have a quiet beer and just let this one land - just as long as no-one lands on the front page.”

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