Only 12 months ago, Brendon McCullum was plotting Australia’s Ashes downfall as the coach of England.
And this summer, the man behind ‘Bazball’ will be back — but this time, in the commentary box.
The New Zealand legend has joined Channel Seven and Triple M’s teams for their coverage of the upcoming four-Test series between Australia and the Black Caps, which will begin in Perth on December 9.
After concluding an international career made legendary by his hyper-aggressive batting and cutting-edge captaincy, McCullum earned plaudits for his razor-sharp insight in the commentary box before being appointed as England’s Test coach in 2022.
Having already worked with Seven throughout New Zealand’s most recent tour of Australia in 2019-20, McCullum said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be returning for what promises to be an intriguing series.
“Australia versus New Zealand always has a bit of an edge to it,” McCullum said.
“I’ve lived this rivalry as a player, so I’m looking forward to sitting on the other side of the fence, having a bit of fun with the Seven team and hopefully giving viewers some insight into what’s unfolding in the middle.
“Australia are hard to beat on home soil. They’ve got an incredible amount of experience, but there are also some new faces coming through, and that creates an opportunity for New Zealand. They’ll be up for the fight, and I think we’re in for a really compelling series.”
McCullum’s tenure in charge of England’s Test side ended after their 2-1 series defeat to the Black Caps in July, but he remains in charge of their white-ball teams, which will visit Australia in November for three One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals.
He will be joined in the Triple M box by the great Ricky Ponting, who will bring his astute analysis to radio this summer alongside his television work with Seven.
After a sterling commentary debut on Australian shores last summer, England legend Stuart Broad will return as part of 7Cricket’s team for March’s historic 150th Anniversary Test Match at the MCG.
Broad, who was nominated for the most popular new talent award at this year’s Logies and will be back alongside another England great in Ian Botham, said the game would be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“The 150th Anniversary Test is a unique moment in the history of English and Australian cricket, and there is no better place on Australian soil to celebrate than the MCG,” Broad said.
“I’m sure the Aussies will be keen to remind me how the Ashes played out, but England will be fired up and ready for redemption. Expect plenty of banter, that trademark passion from the Barmy Army and of course, world-class cricket.”
Seven will also have an expanded suite of programming around the games this summer, with The Agenda Setters: Cricket to launch on December 2 alongside the return of The Front Bar: Cricket Edition.
The new show will be hosted by 7NEWS Sport Reporter Xander McGuire and former Australia batsman Will Pucovski, while a rotating panel of expert contributors who will bring debate, insight and analysis includes legends Justin Langer, Aaron Finch and Damien Fleming.