Brendon McCullum and RCB coaching staff (Source: AFP Photos)
England's search for a new Test head coach has suffered an early setback after RCB Head Coach Andy Flower confirmed he is no longer interested in the role.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently began looking for a new red-ball coach after Brendon McCullum stepped down from the Test setup.
While McCullum will continue as England’s white-ball coach, the ECB has been speaking to several experienced candidates, with Andy Flower among the leading names linked to the position.
Reports suggested that Flower had held multiple discussions with the ECB, including talks with managing director Rob Key.
However, the former England coach has now ended all speculation by confirming that he has ruled himself out of the race.
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Will Andy Flower Leave RCB And Join England As Test Coach?
Andy Flower made it clear that he is fully committed to his current coaching roles and has no plans to leave them for the England Test job (as per Cricinfo).
"Yes, obviously that is a topic that's being talked about at the moment. Yes, I have spoken with the ECB. We're all aware of the vacancy for the head coach job of the England national team, and I have spoken with Rob [Key] and the ECB on that topic."
"The bottom line for me is that I'm very happy in the work that I'm doing at the moment. I work for a couple of really good organisations. I've got really good teams around me and good people around me and I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing at the moment."
It is vital to note that Andy Flower has also previously been associated with the the England coaching setup (between 2009 and 2014).
"I've worked with England before and I had an amazing time when I had the privilege to be England head coach and represent England as one of their leaders a number of years ago, and I remember those years really fondly, and it would be a privilege for me or anyone else to be the Test coach.
"But for me at this time, I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing. I'm going to stick with doing that."
Andy Flower To Continue As RCB's Head Coach
It is important to note that, with this decision, Andy Flower will continue as RCB's head coach in the IPL and will remain with London Spirit in The Hundred.
Meanwhile, the ECB's search for a new Test coach continues. Several high-profile names remain under consideration, including Justin Langer, Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Kumar Sangakkara, Stephen Fleming, Mike Hesson, Tom Moody and Adrian Birrell.
After the ongoing India Tour of England 2026 (3rd ODI), England will face Pakistan in a three-match Test series. So before the start of the Pakistan Tour of England 2026, the Three Lions will need to appoint a head coach.
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