Ben Stokes perfect character to inspire change, says newly-appointed England Test coach Brendon McCullum

Newly-appointed England Test head coach Brendon McCullum said he is looking forward to working with Ben Stokes, whom he believes has it in him to inspire a change.

Brendon McCullum has said he is fully aware of the challenges that the head coach role of the England Test team brings with it, adding that he is ready to take them on head on. In a move that helped raise a few eyebrows, England on Thursday announced McCullum as the head coach for the men's Test team.

McCullum, who has been working with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, will link up with the England cricket squad later this month. McCullum's first assignment with the England team will be the home Test series against the country he skippered, New Zealand.

McCullum will replace Chris Silverwood as the head coach of the England Test team. England have managed to win only 1 out of their last 17 Tests. Joe Root stepped down as England Test team captain after they were hammered 0-4 in the Ashes and lost a 3-match Test series in the West Indies 0-1 earlier this year.

McCullum has no previous experience in coaching a Test side. However, the former New Zealand captain has been one of the greatest batters in the longest format of the game, having led the Black Caps to several highs in Tests during his time as the skipper. McCullum played the last of his 101 Tests at Christchurch in 2016 against Australia, where he hit the fastest ever century in the format (54 balls). He finished his career with 6,453 runs including 12 hundreds and 31 half-centuries.

"I'd like to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity to positively contribute to England's Test cricket set-up and move the team forward into a more successful era," McCullum said in a statement from England and Wales Cricket Board.

"In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we've confronted them head-on."

Meanwhile, McCullum said he is looking forward to working with newly-appointed captain Ben Stokes whom he believes is the right man to inspire a chance in the dressing room and reverse their fortunes in Test cricket.