Cricket: Humble Brendon McCullum rejects praise as England's test revolution continues with Pakistan whitewash

Even as he continues to create history as head coach of England's men's test cricket team, former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum insists the credit does not belong to him.

Parachuted in to take charge of a team approaching a historic low, with just one victory from their past 17 tests at the time of his appointment, McCullum has been on hand to completely transform England's fortunes.

In 10 tests in charge as coach in combination with new captain Ben Stokes, England have won nine and lost just one match played in 2022.

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Photo credit: Getty Images

Aside from clean sweeping the Blackcaps, England have also defeated India, South Africa, before sealing a 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan in Pakistan this month.

In cricket's history prior to this tour, England had only ever won two tests in Pakistan. They've now won their last three in succession.

In particular, England's newfound aggression has seen them become a test force, notably plundering 507 runs on the opening day of the first test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi - a world record. 

The style dubbed 'BazBall' - a term McCullum refutes - has seen the world take note of what England are currently doing in the game's longest form.

But for the man himself, any praise for his side's successes belongs to the players, with the 41-year-old happy to take a hands off approach.

"I don't do bugger all to be honest," McCullum told Sky Sports UK. "I sort of just make sure the guys remain consistent with their own beliefs.

"They all want to be the best version of themselves, they all want to be the best cricketer they can be. They all want to play in a winning team and make a significant difference to the game world wide.

"When you've got all of that, you've really just got to keep guys on task every now and then, and make sure if things go down a slightly negative path at any stage, just remind them what we're about.

"Don't tell my bosses, but it's actually a really easy job. I'm really enjoying myself, I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity, to be honest."

McCullum's England will now return home for a two month break, before returning to action with a two-test series against the Blackcaps, beginning on February 16 at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval.