Indian legend reportedly shortlisted, though full-time coaching role may not interest him currently.
London
Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emerged as one of the leading contenders to succeed Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach following the New Zealander’s dismissal after the team’s disappointing red-ball performances.
According to a report, Dravid is among several high-profile candidates being considered by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), alongside former England coach Andy Flower and ex-England spinner Richard Dawson.
McCullum’s four-year tenure as England’s Test coach came to an end after the side suffered a 1-2 home series defeat to New Zealand. The ECB said it was “the right time to make a change” ahead of next year’s Ashes series, although McCullum will continue as coach of England’s ODI and T20I teams.
Dravid, 53, is regarded as an attractive candidate because of his meticulous planning, technical expertise and calm leadership. During his stint with India, he guided the team to the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup title and the 2023 World Test Championship final, enhancing his reputation as one of the game’s finest coaches.
However, the report noted that Dravid currently has “no desire” to return to full-time coaching. It suggested that England’s Test-only role, which allows extended breaks between assignments, could nevertheless appeal to him and help preserve his preferred format of the game.
Zimbabwe great Andy Flower is also viewed as a strong contender. Widely regarded as England’s most successful modern-day coach, Flower guided the team to three Ashes series victories and the No. 1 Test ranking. He has also enjoyed success in franchise cricket, including back-to-back IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Richard Dawson, currently Glamorgan’s head coach, is another serious candidate after impressing in county cricket.
Other names linked with the vacancy include Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson and former Australia coach Justin Langer. The ECB is expected to begin consultations soon as England look to appoint a new Test coach before preparations gather pace for the 2027 Ashes.