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Justin Langer is the frontrunner to replace Brendon McCullum as England's next Test head coach, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly making significant progress in its search for a new red-ball coach.
The former Australia opener is understood to be the leading candidate for the role, although his existing commitments with IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and The Hundred side Manchester Super Giants could complicate the appointment.
Meanwhile, former India head coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not part of the ECB's recruitment process despite recent speculation linking them with the vacancy, as per a report in Times of India.
Justin Langer emerges as favourite for England job; Ravi Shastri, Rahul Dravid out of race
The ECB has identified Justin Langer as its preferred choice to succeed Brendon McCullum as England's Test head coach after the New Zealander's departure from the role.
According to a report in The Times of India, Justin Langer currently tops the ECB's shortlist, with discussions expected to gather pace in the coming days.
However, his coaching commitments with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred remain the biggest hurdle. The report adds that there are strong indications Justin Langer could end his association with LSG if negotiations with the ECB move forward. Recently, Marcus Stoinis backed Justin Langer for England head coach role
The report also states that Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not under consideration for the position as the England Test head coach. Also, England are aiming to appoint their new Test coach before the start of next month's home series against Pakistan.
Andy Flower rejected becoming England Test coach
Justin Langer's chances of landing the England job improved further after former England head coach Andy Flower ruled himself out of the race.
Flower, who guided England to the No. 1 Test ranking and three Ashes series victories during his tenure between 2009 and 2014, held discussions with ECB Managing Director of Men's Cricket Rob Key following McCullum's exit. However, he decided against returning to the national setup.
The Zimbabwean is currently involved with London Spirit in The Hundred and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, whom he guided to the IPL title earlier this year. Speaking about his decision, Flower said he is happy with his current coaching roles and does not believe combining franchise commitments with an international coaching position is the right move at this stage.
His withdrawal has further strengthened Justin Langer's position as the leading candidate, with the ECB now expected to focus its efforts on finalising a deal with the former Australia coach.
Why was Brendon McCullum sacked as England Test head coach?
Brendon McCullum's stint as England's Test head coach came to an end following a prolonged decline in the team's red-ball performances.
McCullum made an immediate impact after taking charge in 2022, helping England win 10 of his first 11 Tests alongside captain Ben Stokes while introducing the aggressive "Bazball" approach. However, the team's performances dipped significantly over the next few years.
England failed to win a Test series against either Australia or India during McCullum's tenure and lost seven of their last nine Test matches. A 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand, which also marked Ben Stokes' retirement from Test cricket, proved to be the final setback.
Overall, McCullum finished with a record of 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats as England's Test coach. While he has stepped down from the red-ball role, he will continue as England's head coach in white-ball cricket.
