Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has emerged as the frontrunner to become England's next Test coach following Brendon McCullum's departure, according to multiple reports.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking to appoint a successor before next month's home Test series against Pakistan, with Langer reportedly at the top of its shortlist after former England coach Andy Flower withdrew from the recruitment process.
Justin Langer tops ECB's shortlist
According to The Times of India, the ECB is expected to hold discussions with Langer in the coming days as it accelerates its search for a new Test coach.
The Australian currently serves as head coach of IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and The Hundred side Manchester Super Giants, meaning any appointment
could require him to resolve existing contractual commitments.
The report adds that there are strong indications Langer could part ways with LSG if an agreement is reached with the ECB.
Andy Flower no longer in contention
The ECB initially explored the possibility of appointing former England coach Andy Flower, who currently coaches Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and London Spirit in The Hundred.
However, Flower has since withdrawn from the recruitment process, leaving Langer as the leading candidate.
Reports also state that former India head coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not under consideration for the role.
What happened to Brendon McCullum?
McCullum was relieved of his duties as England's Test coach following a disappointing run of results, culminating in a 2-1 home Test series defeat to New Zealand.
While he finished with an overall record of **27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats**, England lost seven of their final nine Tests under his leadership.
Following his exit, McCullum said:
"I've absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. "
He is expected to continue as England's white-ball coach.
Justin Langer's coaching record
Langer coached Australia between 2018 and 2022 after taking charge in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal.
During his tenure, Australia:
- Retained the Ashes in England in 2019.
- Won their maiden ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2021.
- Secured a 4-0 Ashes series victory over England in 2021-22.
- Returned to the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket.
However, his spell also ended amid reports of strained relationships with several senior players, who reportedly found his demanding coaching style difficult to manage.
What would it mean for Lucknow Super Giants?
Langer has been LSG's head coach since 2023 after succeeding Andy Flower and also oversees the franchise's sister team, Manchester Super Giants, in The Hundred.
If he accepts the England role, LSG could be forced into another leadership change ahead of the next IPL season. The franchise has already undergone significant changes after parting ways with captain Rishabh Pant, meaning Langer's departure would trigger another major reset.
For now, no official appointment has been made, but reports suggest the ECB is keen to finalise its new Test coach before England begin their home series against Pakistan next month.
