Gary Kirsten Emerges As Frontrunner For England Test Head Coach Role - Report

Former South Africa player and renowned coach Gary Kirsten is the front-runner for England’s Test head coach job. Kirsten will be preferred ahead of out-of-favor coaches, Simon Katich and Ottis Gibson.

Since cricketer-turned-commentator Rob Key took over as England Men’s Cricket Team Manager, England is set to adopt split coaching roles for different formats (red-ball and white-ball).

Gary Kirsten is Rob Key’s favourite for England’s Test coach job – Report

Kirsten has a great CV in his coaching career, having led India to No.1 Test rankings in 2009 for the first time. He repeated the milestone with his home team, South Africa, in August 2012 after a 2-0 win against England.

Kirsten was also India’s head coach when the MS Dhoni-led side clinched the 2011 World Cup after defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final.

According to an Inews.co.uk report, the South African is believed to be the man Rob Key has zeroed in on as his preferred choice for rebuilding England’s Test side with new skipper Ben Stokes.

However, things will be decided after Kirsten’s interview with a three-member panel comprising Key, Sir Andrew Strauss, and ECB CEO Tom Harrison.

Gary Kirsten interview to take place via Zoom conference

Kirsten is currently with IPL franchise Gujarat Titans as their batting coach in the ongoing IPL 2022.

The ECB invited candidates to apply for the respective role with the deadline set by May 6 and the first-round interview will be conducted on May 9 & 10.

The report states that Kirsten’s interview will take place via a Zoom conference.

England is scheduled to host Kane Williamson-led New Zealand for three Test matches, starting on June 2 at the Lord’s.

Kirsten is likely to be with Gujarat Titans till the end of May given their chances of qualifying in the IPL 2022 playoffs.

However, England will be prepared to wait for the 54-year-old coach. Kirsten was also the head coach of the Welsh Fire men’s team in the inaugural edition of the Hundred.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Never Dwelled On His Own Performance, Focus Was Always On How Team Could Do Well: Gary Kirsten