IPL coaches dominate shortlist of England Test coaches in race to find Brendon McCullum’s successor

Brendon McCullum (AP Photo) England’s search for a new Test coach has taken on a distinctly IPL flavour, with several of the world’s most respected franchise coaches emerging as frontrunners to replace Brendan McCullum following his sacking.Former England coach and current Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower heads the nine-man shortlist, which also includes former Chennai Super Kings boss Stephen Fleming, Lucknow Super Giants’ Justin Langer and Tom Moody, underscoring the ECB’s preference for experienced coaches with a proven track record in international and franchise cricket.According to a Daily Mail report, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) aims to name McCullum’s successor well before the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on August 19, although officials are prepared to take longer if necessary to secure the right candidate before the next Ashes.

The ECB’s thinking is dominated by the experience of the IPL

Flower, who coached England between 2009 and 2014, is seen as the preferred choice despite potential complications arising from his commitments with RCB in the IPL and London Spirit in The Hundred. The 58-year-old is also said to be considering whether to return to the pressures of one of the most prestigious coaching posts in international cricket.Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has once again emerged as a serious contender after ending a remarkable 18-year association with CSK. Fleming had previously rejected England’s approach ahead of McCullum’s appointment in 2022 due to his long-term IPL commitments, but his availability has reignited the ECB’s interest.Former Australian coach Justin Langer, currently associated with Lucknow Super Giants, is another notable name on the shortlist. Langer was considered during the previous recruitment process but was believed to be disinterested after leading Australia to an Ashes triumph. His disciplined coaching style is now seen as a potential cure for England’s recent struggles.Lucknow Super Giants Global Director of Cricket Tom Moody, Rajasthan Royals Head Coach and Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara and former RCB Director Mike Hesson also figure among the overseas candidates. Hesson, who currently coaches Pakistan’s white-ball teams, has reportedly attracted attention despite his ongoing international commitments.

Only two English candidates advanced

Despite the ECB’s emphasis on finding the best available coach regardless of nationality, only two former England internationals made the shortlist.Former England No.3 Jonathan Trott has enhanced his reputation with a successful stint in Afghanistan that saw them reach the semi-finals of the 2024 FIFA T20 World Cup. Trott has been open about his ambitions to coach England.Richard Dawson, the former England spinner, is another domestic contender after impressing for Glamorgan, whom he led back to Division One of the County Championship.Former Ireland and Hampshire coach Adi Birrell is also on the shortlist, while India great Rahul Dravid and England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff were reportedly not included in the final list.The ECB has already started contacting candidates, but with England having lost seven of their last nine Tests, the board prefers a long-term appointment capable of rebuilding the side ahead of the Ashes, even if that means appointing an interim coach – potentially Marcus Trescothick’s assistant – for the Pakistan series.