ENGLAND has appointed Brendon McCullum Test Head Coach. He expressed excitement about working with Ben Stokes, the new captain.

He will be available to begin his role in the LV= Insurance three match Test series against New Zealand next month. However, he must obtain a work visa.

Lord's will host the Test series on June 2.

McCullum stated that he was happy to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to England's Test cricket setup and help propel the team into a better era.

"I am acutely aware, in taking on this role, of the significant challenges that the team faces right now, and I believe strongly in my ability help them emerge as a stronger force after we have confronted these head-on.

Rob Key has been a great friend and I have enjoyed many productive conversations about the direction of travel for our team. His enthusiasm is contagious.

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"I am not a stranger to creating change in a team environment and I cannot wait to get started."

McCullum is excited to be working with Stokes, the new captain who "inspires changes around him".

Former Cricketer said: "Ben Stokes has the right character to inspire change around others, and I look forward working closely with him to create a unit that is successful around us."

Rob Key, England's Men’s Cricket Director, says McCullum is a natural at "changing the culture and environment of cricket for the better".

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Key also looks forward to McCullum's "formidable captain and coach partnership" with Stokes

He stated that he was delighted to confirm Brendon as England's Men's Test Coach.

"It was a privilege to get to know him, understand his views and see the game from his perspective.

"I believe that his appointment will be a good thing for England's Test team.

"He has a history of changing the culture and environment of cricket for the better and I believe that he is the right person to do this for England's red-ball cricket.

"We were extremely fortunate to have a strong list of qualified candidates for the job, with Brendon proving that he was our number-one choice."

Key said, "I believe in Brendon Stokes and Ben Stokes – a formidable coach/captain partnership.

"It's time for all of us to buckle up, get ready for the ride."