Brendon McCullum and RCB coaching staff (Source: AFP Photos)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has started its search for a new Test head coach after parting ways with Brendon McCullum from the red-ball setup.
McCullum's four-year tenure as England’s Test coach came to an end following another disappointing Test series defeat against New Zealand. However, he will continue as the coach of England’s white-ball teams.
With the Test coaching position now empty, as per a report from Daily Mail UK, the ECB has reportedly shortlisted several experienced names, including Justin Langer, Andy Flower, Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Kumar Sangakkara, Stephen Fleming, Mike Hesson, Tom Moody and Adi Birrell.
Interestingly, four of these contenders are currently associated with the IPL. Their recent work in the cash-rich league has strengthened their coaching credentials and made them serious candidates to take charge of England's Test side.
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Andy Flower's Success With RCB
Andy Flower has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the England Test coaching role. He joined two-time champions RCB as head coach in August 2023 and signed a three-year contract in 2024. Andy Flower also guided RCB to back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026.
Flower previously worked with England as assistant coach in 2007 before becoming head coach in 2009. He remained in the role until 2014 and enjoyed considerable success during his tenure.
Kumar Sangakkara's Rajasthan Royals Journey
Kumar Sangakkara has also become a strong option for England's head coach after his successful work with Rajasthan Royals. He first joined the franchise as Director of Cricket in 2021 while also taking over as head coach.
Under his leadership, Rajasthan Royals reached the IPL final in 2022 for the first time since their title-winning campaign in 2008. The franchise narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023 before finishing third and reaching the playoffs in 2024.
Although Rahul Dravid served as head coach in 2025 while Sangakkara remained Director of Cricket, he returned to the dual role of Director of Cricket and head coach in 2026. Rajasthan once again reached the playoffs before being eliminated in Qualifier 2 by Gujarat Titans.
Justin Langer's Journey In IPL
Justin Langer is another name under consideration for England’s head coach in Test cricket. He has been the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants since July 2023 after replacing Andy Flower.
Langer has vast experience at the international level, having guided Australia before moving into the IPL. Since joining LSG, he has continued to lead the franchise’s coaching setup.
Tom Moody Adds Vast Coaching Experience
Tom Moody is another IPL-linked coach being discussed as a possible replacement for McCullum. He currently serves as the Global Director of Cricket for Lucknow Super Giants, overseeing the franchise’s long-term cricket strategy.
Before being with LSG, he was also part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. During his long stint with SRH, he guided the franchise to its maiden IPL title as head coach in 2016.
His extensive coaching experience across franchise cricket and international setups has made him one of the most respected names in cricket.
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