# England cricket: McCullum praises Brook's leadership growth

> England's white-ball coach Brendon McCullum says his relationship with Harry Brook has 'blossomed' over 18 months.
- Title: England cricket: McCullum praises Brook's leadership growth
- Summary: England's white-ball coach Brendon McCullum says his relationship with Harry Brook has 'blossomed' over 18 months. Brendon McCullum believes his relationship…
- Keywords: brendon mccullum, harry brook, england cricket, white-ball coach, test cricket, odi tri-series, pakistan, sri lanka, sports, England, cricket, McCullum
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13601984/england-cricket-brendon-mccullum-believes-his-relationship-with-harry-brook-has-blossomed-over-the-past-18-months
- Author: Matthew Wolfe
- Published: 2026-10-21T18:21:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: brendon mccullum, harry brook, england cricket, white-ball coach, test cricket, odi tri-series, pakistan, sri lanka, sports
## McCullum's relationship with Brook
England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum believes leaving Test cricket has allowed his relationship with Harry Brook to flourish over the past 18 months.

> In a funny way, I think, sort of now, Harry and I, our relationship as the captain and coach over the last 18 months or so has really blossomed, and I think we work fantastically well together
## Brook's leadership role
Harry Brook has held the T20 and ODI captaincy since Jos Buttler stepped away in April 2025.
## Recent ODI performance
England's ODI side is ranked top globally despite an 87-run defeat by Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
## McCullum's tenure
McCullum took charge of England's Test team in 2022 and stepped away in July 2026 after Ben Stokes retired.
## Bazball era challenges
England played 44 Tests between 2019-2022, winning 15 and losing 22 during McCullum's early tenure.
## World Cup preparation
McCullum says England must improve as a team to reach the World Cup final in late 2027.
## Key takeaway

Brendon McCullum believes his relationship with Harry Brook has improved significantly since 2022.