​England will assess between six and ten candidates as they search for Brendon McCullum’s successor as Test head coach, aiming to install the new coach in time for August’s series against Pakistan, according to ECB chief executive Richard Gould. McCullum, 44, was dismissed from his red-ball role on Sunday after England endured seven defeats in the last nine Tests. England’s next Test is against Pakistan at Headingley on 19 August, and the team currently lacks a captain after Ben Stokes revealed his retirement during the series defeat by New Zealand in late June.
Gould told BBC Sport that the selection process will be targeted. “We often do a lot of work in terms of planning as to succession — I will always keep a shortlist going of coaches and various other positions, and in truth, this position is probably one where the shortlist is no more than six to ten names globally of a diverse nature.” He added that conversations would begin soon and that Rob Key, the managing director of men’s cricket, would lead those discussions. Gould also confirmed that the ECB intends to appoint a head coach first, and that person will have input, alongside Key and national selector Marcus North, in the appointment of a captain.
The new coach will need to collaborate with McCullum, who will retain the white-ball duties, to balance English cricket amid a packed calendar that requires players to juggle international duties and franchise commitments. McCullum’s four-year tenure as Test coach has seen England pursue an aggressive brand of cricket, but Gould contends that McCullum’s successor does not necessarily have to replicate that approach. “When you look at the skills we’ve got and the talents we’ve got within the team, it is a squad that has been playing relatively aggressive cricket,” Gould said. “But there are always options for the pattern of play to change depending on what the coach wants and where the coach believes those skillsets are. It’s going to have to be an individual who complements the skillsets we’ve got in the players and can draw the very best out of them.”
While England would like the new coach in place for the three-Test series against Pakistan, Gould accepts that an interim arrangement may be possible. “Clearly the individuals on our shortlist will have other commitments — they may be involved in international cricket, county cricket, or franchise cricket — and we’ll need to manage those,” he said. “An interim solution could be in place if it allows us to reach the best possible decision later on.” Gould also indicated that England would consider a model in which a coach remains involved with franchise commitments alongside the national role.
Andy Flower. Current role: Head coach — Royal Challengers Bengaluru, London Spirit. Previous roles: Head coach — England (2009-14), Saint Lucia Kings (2020-23), Trent Rockets (2021).