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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently searching for a new Test head coach after Brendon McCullum was sacked from his position. Now, a fresh name is leading the race, and he is none other than Australian great Justin Langer.
Earlier, the former England coach Andy Flower was tipped as the frontrunner to replace McCullum as the new Test head coach, but he has also pulled out of the race. However, McCullum remains the white-ball head coach of the England National Cricket Team.
Justin Langer emerges as favourite for England Test coach job
Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has now reportedly become the strongest candidate to take charge of England's Test team after Andy Flower decided not to return to the setup.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has fast-tracked its search to find a replacement after removing Brendon McCullum as the Test coach. With Flower pulling out of the race, Langer has now become the frontrunner for one of the high-profile coaching jobs in the world.
As reported by The Guardian, ECB managing director of men's cricket Rob Key has already made good progress in the search for England's next Test coach. The board is keen to appoint a new coach as soon as possible, with a busy Test season coming up.
Justin Langer's name has now moved to the top of the shortlist, even though he was not seen as a likely option in the past. Interestingly, Langer had refused to take the England job back in 2022 by saying, “I've never spoken to English cricket. The thought of coaching England … mate!”
ECB serious about Justin Langer but he faces same dilemma that made Andy Flower say no
At that time, Langer had just stepped down as Australia's head coach. However, the situation has reportedly changed now, and the ECB is reportedly seriously considering the former Australian batter for the Test head coach’s position.
But Justin Langer faces a tough decision if the ECB officially offers him the job. The former Australia opener is currently the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, and he is also coaching Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred.
If England makes an official approach, Langer will find himself in the same situation that made Flower decide against taking the England job.
🚨 JUSTIN LANGER × ENGLAND TEST CRICKET 🔥
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 17, 2026
Langer is the strong favourite for the next England Test Coach. [George Dobell] pic.twitter.com/zXM6W4KiGg
Andy Flower turns down England job for franchise cricket
Meanwhile, Andy Flower was the leading candidate because of his successful record with England. During his time as head coach between 2009 and 2014, England became the world's No. 1 Test team and won three Ashes series. Since Flower's exit, England has not been that impressive in Tests.
The England National Cricket Team is currently ranked fifth in the ICC Test rankings and has managed to win only one Ashes series since 2013. Their record in Australia has also been poor, with just one Test win there since the famous 2010-11 Ashes triumph.
But Flower has decided not to return. The former Zimbabwe captain informed the ECB that he wanted to continue with his current coaching roles instead. Flower is currently the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He is also coaching London Spirit in The Hundred.
He said that it would not be possible for him to manage the franchise commitments along with England's demanding Test schedule. Another name in the race is Stephen Fleming, who is open to taking up the job. But reports suggested that Fleming has not yet been contacted by the ECB.
