Alastair Cook Eyes England’s Head Coach Role Amid McCullum’s Struggles

Cook’s Interest in Coaching England

Former England captain Alastair Cook has expressed interest in potentially taking over as the head coach of the England cricket team. With Brendon McCullum under fire for the team’s recent performance, Cook’s name is being floated as a possible successor.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) appointed McCullum in May 2022 as the coach for the Test team, later adding the role of white-ball coach in September 2024. Under his guidance, England has seen mixed results, leading to discussions regarding his future.

McCullum’s Mixed Record

While McCullum has achieved some success, the metrics tell a troubling story. In the 2025 season alone, his white-ball performance saw England win only 4 out of 15 ODIs and 8 out of 15 T20Is. The highlight of his coaching career came when England faced Australia in the 2025-26 Ashes, which ended in a disappointing 11-day defeat, raising serious questions about his strategy and decision-making.

Calls for Change

Michael Atherton, a former England captain, argued in his column that Cook might be the ideal candidate to replace McCullum. Atherton believes that Cook’s experience and approach could provide a refreshing change for the team, especially considering the looming T20 World Cup in 2026.

Cook’s Response and Future Aspirations

Cook has stated he would like to be involved with the England team in some capacity but mentioned that there have been no discussions with the ECB to date. In a recent interview, he remarked, “Look, at some stage in my life, would I like to be involved in the England cricket team? I think I would like to try and make a difference… there has been zero contact.”

As the situation unfolds, the ECB continues to evaluate McCullum’s performance and future as coach. With mounting pressure and fans eager for change, Cook’s prospects for stepping into a coaching role remain a topic of interest among cricket enthusiasts.