Eight contenders to be England’s next Test coach as Andy Flower rules himself out

Andy Flower has ruled himself out of becoming England’s new Test coach – so what now for the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)? Flower, who led England to No 1 in the world and landmark series wins in Australia and India during his time as coach between 2009 and 2014, was the ECB’s first choice to succeed Brendon McCullum. It is understood they are now pivoting towards former Australia coach Justin Langer as their top target, although there are several other names on their shortlist. Just a month before England’s next Test series against Pakistan begins, Flower revealed: “Yes, I have spoken with [director of cricket] Rob [Key] and the ECB. The bottom line for me is I’m very happy in the work I’m doing. “I work for a couple of really good organisations. I’ve worked with England before and I had an amazing time. But for me at this time, I’m really comfortable with what I’m doing.” Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, had floated the possibility of any new coach combining the role with working in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But Flower, who coaches Royal Challengers Bangalore as well as London Spirit in the Hundred, said: “The ECB will have to make their own judgments on that. I don’t think I could have done both.” So where do the ECB now look for their new Test coach? Here are the remaining eight coaches understood to be on their shortlist, from the most to least likely to get the job… Justin Langer Age: 55 Nationality: Australian Coaching pedigree: Significant success with Australia during four years in charge from 2018, rebuilding a squad broken by the “Sandpaper-gate” scandal ­– retaining the 2019 Ashes in England and winning the 2021-22 series in Australia 4-0. Also won the 2021 T20 World Cup. Pros: Knows the English game well having played for over a decade at Middlesex and Somerset. Proven track record of winning at the highest level as a player, during 14 years at the top that included four Ashes victories, and coach. Cons: Left the Australia job under a cloud after his intense style saw him fall out with players. Nationality ahead of next summer’s Ashes would bring extra scrutiny and pressure. Chances (out of 5): 4 Justin Langer is now England’s top target (Photo: Getty) Stephen Fleming Age: 53 Nationality: New Zealand Coaching pedigree: Hugely successful Indian Premier League coach with Chennai Super Kings, where he won five titles across 18 years. He left that post this week. Pros: Respected figure seen as New Zealand’s greatest captain. Would get on well with McCullum, who’s stayed on as England white-ball coach. Also wants the job, saying this week: “If there was an approach, I’d be quite humbled by it.” Cons: Coaching experience limited to franchise cricket, even if he played over 100 Tests. Do England want another Kiwi? Chances: 4 Jonathan Trott Age: 45 Nationality: England Coaching pedigree: Spent four successful years with Afghanistan from 2022, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pros: Had a good start to life as a coach in difficult circumstances. Widely respected and has significant international experience as a player. Cons: Still inexperienced as a coach and has been out of the English game for a while. Chances: 3 Jonathan Trott has been out of the English game for a while (Photo: Getty) Richard Dawson Age: 45 Nationality: England Coaching pedigree: Highly-rated young English coach led Glamorgan to County Championship promotion last summer. Previously Gloucestershire and England Lions coach. Pros: Young, English and would be a cheaper option than some others. Has previously worked with this England set-up. Cons: Lack of experience, particularly in the international game. The former off-spinner played seven Tests. Chances: 3 Mike Hesson Age: 51 Nationality: New Zealand Coaching pedigree: Currently in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball teams but it is his tenure as Black Caps coach between 2012 and 2018 where he made his name. His country’s longest-serving coach, got New Zealand to 2015 World Cup final and developed a distinct playing style under captain McCullum. Pros: Been around the block, is a close ally of McCullum and is seen as an astute man manager and talent identifier. Cons: Currently employed. Might struggle with scrutiny of being England coach. Chances: 2 Mike Hesson is currently in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball teams (Photo: Getty) Tom Moody Age: 60 Nationality: Australia Coaching pedigree: A perennial contender for big jobs but has not been an international head coach since 2007, when he led Sri Lanka to the 50-over World Cup final in India. Has had a host of franchise coaching roles since. Pros: Experienced and respected. Another who has spent years in county cricket, first as a player and then as a director of cricket at Worcestershire. Cons: Is his track record really good enough? Chances: 2 Kumar Sangakkara Age: 48 Nationality: Sri Lanka Coaching pedigree: Highly rated in franchise world, where he is currently head coach and director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals. Pros: Young, ambitious and respected. Cons: Inexperienced outside of the IPL as a coach. Chances: 1 Read more Analysis: 11 mistakes that killed Bazball Chris Stocks: Eleven days that transformed the mood in English cricket Adi Birrell Age: 65 Nationality: South Africa Coaching pedigree: Had successful spells with Hampshire (2019-2025) and Ireland (2002-2007). Also won three SA20 titles with Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Pros: Experience and success. Knows English game well. Cons: Age and low profile make him an outsider. Chances: 1 EXPLORE MORE ON THE TOPICS IN THIS STORY