Brendon McCullum has been sacked as England’s Test coach – with Andy Flower favourite to replace him and return to the role he lost after the 2013-14 Ashes whitewash.Flower, now 58, was in charge for some of the greatest moments in England’s recent history, including the 2010 T20 World Cup win, the 3–1 win in Australia a few months later, the rise to the top of the Test rankings and a memorable 2–1 triumph in India.Since then, he has made his name as arguably the most successful coach on the T20 franchise circuit, most recently steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second successive IPL title.His return to the England job may depend on whether he can retain some of his T20 work, with the IPL at the top of the list. But with McCullum staying on as white-ball coach, Flower’s England schedule would be less frantic than his predecessor’s.McCullum has just led the T20 side to No1 in the world with a 4–0 series victory over India and the news of his exit comes only two weeks after the international retirement of Test captain Ben Stokes, with whom McCullum formed a dynamic partnership on his appointment in 2022.His fate was sealed by England’s defeat in the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, a result that condemned them to a first home loss in a series of at least three games since 2012. McCullum formed a close bond with Ben Stokes, who retired from Test cricket a fortnight agoIt is understood that the position of Rob Key, the managing director who was party to the decision to remove McCullum with only a year to go before England attempt to regain the Ashes on home soil, is safe.England’s search for a new Test coach has already begun, with the team’s next assignment a three-match series against Pakistan starting at Headingley on August 19.‘I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,’ said McCullum, whose 49 Tests in charge produced 27 wins, 20 defeats and two draws.‘There’ve been some unbelievable highs and a few tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this. It’s been a privilege and an honour, and I’m grateful. Grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who supported us on the journey.‘Of course I’m gutted not to be continuing, but I respect the decision. My focus now is on giving everything I’ve got to the white-ball teams and helping England keep moving forward. Andy Flower left his role as England coach after the 2013-14 Ashes, a 5-0 defeat‘I wish the Test team nothing but success. There’s a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing-room and they’re a special bunch of lads. I’ll always be backing the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping they keep taking the game on. I know they’ll continue to make people proud.’Key said: ‘Some of England’s most memorable moments in recent history have occurred under Brendon’s leadership of the Test team.‘It’s been an absolute privilege to watch him shape the mentality of the team, to one the players have loved, and see him develop a new generation of talent who will be at the heart of England men’s teams for years to come. He leaves the Test team well-set and poised to achieve great things.’ECB chief executive Richard Gould added: ‘Brendon breathed new life into the England men’s Test team during an exciting period which saw some amazing victories, and we’re grateful for all he has given to the role. We now believe that the time is right to make a change for the Test team as we target victory in The Ashes next summer.’