Brendon McCullum explains why he went for 'meaty' England Test job

Brendon McCullum has admitted the challenge of trying to reinvigorate the England Test team was too big to turn down.

And he was more than happy to take the plunge and turn his life upside down in order to get his teeth into the 'meaty' role alongside skipper Ben Stokes. McCullum told his former co-host Izzy Dagg on his SENZ radio show ‘Breakfast with Baz and Izzy’ that he is setting out to make his England side an entertaining one worth coming to watch.

And even though he had carved out a successful white ball coaching and media career since retiring from playing, this was a risk he had to take.

“In life I think if you’re going to change what you're doing then make sure it is worth the risk of doing so,” said McCullum. "And this is a big enough challenge to risk doing so, that is for sure.

"There is a little bit of apprehension but also a tremendous amount of excitement at how big the challenge is. For me Test cricket is on a downward trend with regard to popularity and where it sits, and while I’ve been lucky enough to have a career in franchise and white ball cricket, Test cricket is my real love.

"I think if anyone is going to be able to reinvigorate Test cricket and make it popular again and attract it to the next generation it is going to be England. So if you can be at the forefront of that by playing an attractive brand of cricket, play with a smile on your face and try to entertain, then Test cricket has got a chance.

"I thought ‘crikey I’ve got to give this a crack if they think I’m the right person.’ It all happened quickly but I’m incredibly humbled and delighted to be in the chair. If you are prepared to change your life for something it has got to be something a bit grunty, a bit meaty and that is what