The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is targeting a new Test head coach to be in place before the upcoming series against Pakistan in August, according to ECB chief executive Richard Gould. The search for a successor to Brendon McCullum, who was dismissed after a recent run of poor results, is underway.
Gould indicated that the ECB is considering between six and 10 potential candidates from a globally diverse pool. These discussions are commencing immediately, with Rob Key, the managing director of men's cricket, leading the selection process.
The appointment of a new coach will precede the selection of a new captain, a role that also needs filling following Ben Stokes' retirement. The incoming coach will collaborate with Key and national selector Marcus North on the captaincy decision.
Additionally, the new head coach will need to work alongside McCullum, who remains in charge of the white-ball formats. This collaboration is intended to manage England's cricketing interests effectively within a demanding international and franchise calendar.
Gould stated that while England has adopted an aggressive playing style under McCullum, his replacement does not necessarily need to replicate that approach. The focus will be on finding an individual who can complement the existing skillsets of the players and maximize their potential.
While the ECB ideally wants the new coach in position for the three-Test series against Pakistan, starting August 19 at Headingley, Gould acknowledged the possibility of an interim solution. This could arise if securing the best long-term candidate requires more time, potentially accommodating the commitments of shortlisted individuals who may be involved in international, county, or franchise cricket.
The ECB is also open to a coaching model where the appointed individual could continue with their existing franchise commitments alongside the national role.