Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has reportedly been omitted from the shortlist to become England's new Test coach. According to a report by The London Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has left Langer out of the initial interview process following the departure of Brendon McCullum.
With England set to face Pakistan in a home Test series starting on August 19, the board is searching for a new head coach for the red-ball team ahead of next year's Ashes at home. Notably, the ECB will also have to appoint a new Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket.
Justin Langer Out of England Test Coach Race: Report
According to The Telegraph, former England players Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott have emerged as the leading candidates for England's vacant Test head coach role. Justin Langer is not currently under consideration for the role.
Glamorgan is willing to release Richard Dawson from his contract. He guided the county to promotion after leaving England's white-ball coaching setup and has remained involved with the national system through the England Lions under Andrew Flintoff.
Jonathan Trott has also held talks with the ECB. He led Afghanistan to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup during his four-year spell as head coach, which ended in February. Trott is currently working with Ireland on a short-term freelance contract.
Marcus Trescothick Set to Take Interim Charge
The ECB wants to appoint a permanent Test head coach before England's first Test against Pakistan on August 19. However, if the recruitment process takes longer than expected, former England opener Marcus Trescothick is expected to take charge as interim head coach.
The new coach will face a major rebuilding job. England are searching for a new Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement. The team also needs pacers, a frontline spinner, and a reliable all-rounder in preparation for next year's home Ashes series.
England's main goal is to rebuild the Test side and regain the Ashes on home soil. The team has not lost a home Ashes series in 25 years, making next year's contest one of the ECB's biggest priorities.
