![Langer becomes front-runner to replace McCullum [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784351199029_Langerbecomesfront-runnertoreplaceMcCullum.jpg?type=hq)
Langer becomes front-runner to replace McCullum [Source: AFP]
After the Ashes and the New Zealand series disaster, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) removed Brendon McCullum as the Test team head coach, but with just a month left before the start of the Pakistan Test series at home, the national side is in dire need of a new head coach.
The ECB was desperately trying to rope in Andy Flower, who currently coaches RCB in the IPL, but the Zimbabwean legend has decided not to join the English side, and that has left the Cricket board searching for an ideal candidate to succeed Brendon McCullum as the red-ball coach.
Stephen Fleming and Jonathan Trott were also viewed as potential choices, but according to the latest report, the former Australian coach, Justin Langer, has also emerged as a solid choice to coach the England Test team.
Justin Langer emerges as front-runner to replace Brendon McCullum
According to journalist George Dobell, the former Australian opener has emerged as the favourite to become the new England Test coach. He is among the more high-profile names shortlisted, and although the ECB have not revealed anything, reports have mentioned that England are tempted to appoint the former Australia head coach.
The legendary Australian cricketer coached his country between 2018 and 2022, and recorded 15 Test victories as he helped the team retain the Ashes in 2019.
A sneak peek into Langer’s coaching career
After retiring from playing cricket, Langer started his coaching career with Perth Scorchers as he became their head coach in 2012. After that stint, the former Australian cricketer joined the national side and became the head coach in 2018.
Also Read: Brendon McCullum Breaks His Silence On England Coaching Exit For The 1st Time
Under his tenure, the Australian side reached the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup, and also managed to retain the Ashes in 2019.
Post the Australian stint, the left-handed great became the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, and to date he has held the position.
Apart from LSG, and Australia, Langer has also had stints with Middlesex and Somerset, and thus, he is familiar with the English conditions
Why England are eyeing Justin Langer as the next Test coach?
Langer has a calm personality, and the legendary cricketer is known for stabilising teams. The Australian national team was in tatters when Langer replaced Darren Lehmann as the head coach of the side.
The Sandpaper Gate Incident had just rocked the Australian cricket team, and in this situation of adversity, Langer stabilised the side and made them a force to reckon with.
England cricket team is also going through a similar turmoil, as positive results have been hard to come by in Tests, and the team looks disjointed after the Ashes 2025-26 humiliation. The 55-year-old can come in and make things work similarly to how he helped to revive Australian cricket.
Other contenders apart from Langer to become England Test coach
Apart from Langer, the ECB have also identified other candidates to become the red-ball coach. Former Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott is also being considered, while Surrey head coach Gareth Batty is also in discussion.
Batty guided Surrey to three County Championships, and as a result, the ECB are impressed with his tactical brilliance.
There is also Mickey Arthur in the race, but he is still down in the pecking order as the England and Wales Cricket Board have other options at the top.
Also Read: BCCI Issues Fresh Verdict On Rohit Sharma's Future Ahead Of Lord's ODI
