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In a massive setback for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Andy Flower has reportedly ruled himself out of the race for the Test head coach job after holding discussions with the board.
Big blow for England as Andy Flower pulls out of Test coach race
Flower has decided against returning to the England national cricket team setup and will instead continue with his current coaching roles at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and London Spirit in The Hundred.
The former Zimbabwe captain was considered one of the strongest candidates to replace Brendon McCullum as England's Test coach because of his vast coaching experience and previous success with the England National Cricket Team.
However, Flower has now made it clear that he will stay committed to RCB and London Spirit, ending speculation about a possible return to the England dressing room. His decision is a big blow for the ECB, which is now continuing its search for a new Test coach ahead of the busy schedule.
Andy Flower has ruled himself out of contention for the vacancy as England's Test coach following talks with ECB. Will continue roles with RCB and London Spirit
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) July 17, 2026
More @cricinfo shortly
Andy Flower confirms ECB talks but rejects the offer
Andy Flower said at London Spirit's media day, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo: “The bottom line for me is that I'm very happy in the work that I'm doing at the moment... I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing. I have [ruled myself out], yes.”
The former England head coach has confirmed that he had discussions with the ECB about the vacant Test head coach position. However, he decided not to take the job because he is very happy with his current coaching roles at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and London Spirit.
The RCB coach insisted that he enjoys working with both teams and wants to continue with them. He said, “The bottom line for me is that I'm very happy in the work that I'm doing at the moment. I work for a couple of really good organizations. I've got really good teams around me and good people around me, and I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing at the moment.”
Had an amazing time, but don't want to return: Flower
The former Zimbabwe captain further noted that coaching England in the past was a special experience, but at this stage of his career, he wants to continue with his current roles. Amid this, Joe Root crowns Virat Kohli ODI cricket's greatest chaser, heaps praise on Rohit Sharma.
Flower further explained, “I've worked with England before, and I had an amazing time when I had the privilege to be England's head coach and represent England as one of their leaders a number of years ago, and I remember those years really fondly, and it would be a privilege for me or anyone else to be the Test coach. But for me at this time, I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing. I'm going to stick with doing that.”
Andy Flower explains why he turned down England role
While the ECB said that they would allow the new Test coach to work in the IPL simultaneously, Flower felt it would not have been possible to handle both jobs at the same time.
He explained that the IPL takes place during the first couple of months of the English summer, and if he were England's Test coach, he would want to be with the team, watching players and working closely with them.
He signed off by saying, “I can't speak for other people, but I don't think I could have done both. For me, that wasn't a possibility.”
