Brendon McCullum has apologised to England fans for the failure of the Test side to win any of the four series against Australia and India during his four years in charge.

England lost 4–1 away and drew 2–2 at home against both teams, and McCullum said:  ‘Fundamentally, we just weren’t quite able to win those two marquee series. We weren’t able to get the results in those, and for that I guess I can only say sorry.’

McCullum also confirmed he had been sacked, rather than choosing to step down. ‘I got a tap on the shoulder, and obviously I am disappointed,’ he said.

‘But at the same time, I fully respect the decision. We’re in a results business, and our results weren’t good enough. It’s time for someone else to have a go.’

He denied that his philosophy had been about ‘playing recklessly’, and insisted: ‘My method is about trying to build an environment where people are able to be the best versions of themselves, so they can handle the pressure moments when they’re at their highest. We didn’t always get it right, and I accept that.’

McCullum’s immediate task is to rebuild the one-day team’s fortunes, starting tomorrow/today with the first of three 50-over matches against India at Edgbaston.

‘I’ve got the enthusiasm for it,’ he said. ‘With the World Cup not too far away, we’ve got an opportunity to get ourselves in a position where we’re a realistic chance of lifting the trophy.’