Giving Brendon McCullum responsibility for all teams was the best appointment England could make, but questions remain, says Stephan Shemilt.
There you have it. England have made their most surprising and exciting appointment since the last time they gave Brendon McCullum a job.
The 42-year-old doesn't actually take up his dual role until January and these are some of the things to ponder between now and then.This is the question that made the idea of McCullum replacing Matthew Mott seem like a non-starter from the off. The how is slightly more tricky, yet was alluded to by managing director Rob Key when he spoke to Sky Sports last Thursday. England's schedule is easing, meaning there will be fewer times when the Test and white-ball teams overlap.
English cricket has been historically poor at exposing its best players to top-level coaching, so giving experience in this situation can only be a good thing in planning for life after Baz. McCullum is not really a technical coach. A superb tactician, his super-strength is creating an environment where players relax and thrive. While the Test team partied, it always felt like the white-ball team were in detention. McCullum will now bring his vibes to the limited-overs side and Buttler could benefit the most.
This is the second time England have tried it and the second time they have reverted to one gaffer in pretty quick time. That can be a positive because more players get given an opportunity and they have the chance to specialise. The negative is often the multi-format players only turn out for the white-ball teams around major tournaments, leaving the individuals off the pace and the team lacking cohesion.
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