Rahul Dravid among candidates to replace Brendon McCullum as England Test coach

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emerged as one of the contenders to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach after the New Zealander was relieved of his duties following the team’s crushing run in the longest format.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Dravid is among a shortlist of candidates that also includes former England coach Andy Flower and former England spinner Richard Dawson.

McCullum’s four-year tenure as England’s Test coach ended after the team’s 2–1 home series defeat to New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it believes “the time is right to make a change” ahead of next year’s Ashes, although McCullum will continue as head coach of England’s ODI and T20I teams.

DRAVID IN THE MIX

The report described Dravid as an attractive candidate due to his meticulous coaching style and extensive experience across formats.

A 53-year-old man supervised one of them India’s most successful last phaseleading the team to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and the 2023 Test World Cup final. His work with the Indian senior and age-group teams has earned him widespread praise for player development and long-term planning.

However, the report added that Dravid is not interested in returning to a full-time coaching role. Rahul Dravid might be tempted to coach only the Test team. (Image: Reuters)

“Dravid has no desire to coach full-time, but the England Test job would allow him longer stays at home and a chance to help keep his favorite format of the game alive. England should at least gauge his interest,” the Daily Telegraph reported.

OTHER CANDIDATES

Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower he is seen as one of the pioneers of this role. Flower remains England’s most successful manager in the modern era, having led his side to three Ashes series victories and a No.1 Test ranking.

He also built an impressive record in franchise cricket, including back-to-back IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Richard Dawson, currently Glamorgan’s head coach, is also in contention after earning a reputation as a tactically astute coach in county cricket.

The report added that Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson and former Australia coach Justin Langer are also being considered as England begin their search for a new Test coach ahead of the crucial Ashes cycle.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

12 Jul 2026 23:32 IST