McCullum removed as England Test coach, India reshuffle touring squads — cricket digest 12 Jul 2026

· Cricombo Editorial

McCullum removed as England Test coach; ECB starts search for replacement

The ECB has removed Brendon McCullum from his role as England men’s Test head coach, while keeping him in charge of the limited-overs sides. The decision leaves England without a Test captain or coach following Ben Stokes’ retirement and comes after a 2-1 home defeat to New Zealand, which followed a 4-1 Ashes loss.

The ECB said the recruitment process for a new Test coach will begin immediately, with an appointment hoped for ahead of the Pakistan series starting on August 19. Richard Gould said the board would consider candidates who also work in the IPL, and did not rule out an interim coach if needed.

Gould backs Rob Key to stay on as England men’s managing director

ECB chief executive Richard Gould said Rob Key will continue as men’s managing director on a long-term basis, despite the fallout from recent Test results and the change of red-ball coach. Gould described the role as one of the most difficult in English sport and said Key’s experience remains valuable.

Key will lead the process to appoint a new Test head coach, with the captaincy decision expected to follow once that role is filled. England’s next Test assignment is the three-match series against Pakistan beginning at Headingley on August 19.

Bishnoi drafted in for Zimbabwe T20Is as Varun injury rules him out; Prince stays for ODIs

Ravi Bishnoi has been added to India’s squad for the three T20Is in Zimbabwe later this month, replacing Varun Chakravarthy, who needs more time to recover from a hamstring injury. Varun missed the last two T20Is in England with the issue.

India also confirmed Prince Yadav will remain in England for the ODI series after Harshit Rana was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jasprit Bumrah’s return is set to strengthen the pace group for the ODIs, alongside Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Prince.

Pakistan coach Sarfaraz backs Masood to contribute after captaincy change

Pakistan Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said Shan Masood’s confidence is high as he prepares for his first series without the captaincy after leading the side for almost three years. Sarfaraz said Masood had a slight hamstring niggle but praised his attitude and expects him to keep contributing as a senior player.

Pakistan are heading to the West Indies for a warm-up match and two Tests, with both Tests set to be played in Trinidad. Sarfaraz said the team has had extended preparation camps and has trained on different types of pitches to match conditions.

In brief

  • Keaton Jennings guided Lancashire to a three-wicket Vitality Blast win over Durham at Old Trafford, with the visitors unable to defend 141.
  • Hampshire chased down Sussex’s 186 for 5 at Hove, winning by four wickets with a ball to spare after a rapid stand between Hilton Cartwright and Ben Mayes.
  • Warwickshire recovered from 49 for 5 to beat Northamptonshire by five wickets, with Kai Smith and Sam Hain putting on an unbeaten century partnership.
  • Akif Javed took 4 for 23 as Derbyshire beat Leicestershire by seven wickets, with Aneurin Donald making 91 in the chase.
  • Middlesex closed their Blast group campaign with a 14-run win over Kent at Canterbury after late runs helped them post 172 for 6.
  • Kiran Carlson led Glamorgan to a club-record 235 for 7 before a 50-run win over Gloucestershire at Bristol.
  • Phoebe Franklin’s unbeaten 40 helped Surrey beat Hampshire by six wickets in the women’s Blast, after Ryana MacDonald-Gay took 3 for 13.
  • Skye Thomas struck 55 not out on her senior Lancashire debut as they beat Durham by four wickets in a low-scoring women’s Blast match at Old Trafford.
  • Charli Knott made 84 not out as The Blaze edged Yorkshire by three wickets, chasing 123 in the women’s Blast.
  • Yastika Bhatia became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s as India set England 427 to win, leaving the hosts needing 327 with four wickets in hand.
  • Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor hit ODI hundreds as West Indies beat Ireland by six wickets in Bready to go 2-0 up with one match left.
  • England Under-19s reached 40 without loss in pursuit of 386 against South Africa Under-19s at Beckenham, needing 345 more on the final day.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo