England to consider six to 10 names for Test head coach role

England will consider between six and 10 names as they seek Brendon McCullum's successor as Test head coach and would like the person in place for August's series against Pakistan, says ECB chief executive Richard Gould.

McCullum, 44, was sacked as red-ball coach on Sunday after seven defeats in the past nine Tests.

England's next Test is against Pakistan at Headingley on 19 August and the team are also currently without a captain after Ben Stokes announced his retirement during the series defeat by New Zealand in late June.

Gould told BBC Sport: "It will be a targeted selection process. We often do a lot of work in terms of planning as to succession - I will always keep a shortlist going of coaches and various other positions and in truth, this position is probably one where the shortlist is no more than six to 10 names globally of a diverse nature.

"In terms of conversations, they will start to happen now and [managing director of men's cricket] Rob Key will be leading on those."

Gould confirmed the England and Wales Cricket Board will look to install a head coach first and that person will have a say, alongside Key and national selector Marcus North, in the appointment of a captain.

The new coach will have to work alongside McCullum, who retains the white-ball role, to balance the best interests of English cricket in a crowded cricket calendar where players manage international and franchise commitments.

McCullum's four-year reign as Test coach has seen England adopt an aggressive style of cricket, but Gould believes his replacement does not necessarily have to mirror that.

"When you look at the skills we've got and the talents we've got within the team, it is a team that has been playing relatively aggressive cricket," Gould said.

"But there are always options for the pattern of play to change depending on what the coach wants and where the coach believes those skillsets are.

"It's going to have to be an individual that complements the skillsets we've got in the players and can bring the very best out of them."

While England would like McCullum's replacement in position for the three-Test series against Pakistan, Gould accepts an interim solution may happen.

"Clearly the individuals that will be within our shortlist will have other commitments - they may be international cricket, they may be county cricket, they may be franchise cricket, and we'll need to work through those," said Gould.

"An interim solution could be in place if it allows us to get to the best possible decision later on down the line."

Gould added that England would also consider a model where a coach could continue their franchise commitments alongside the role.

Andy Flower

Current role: Head coach - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, London Spirit Previous roles: Head coach - England (2009-14), Saint Lucia Kings (2020-23), Trent Rockets (2021-25), Lucknow Super Giants (2022-23)

The man who inspired England to Ashes victory in Australia in 2010-11, Flower is probably towards the top of the wishlist.

The Zimbabwean was in charge of England between 2009 and 2014, ultimately leaving after a 5-0 away Ashes defeat.

Since leaving England he has prospered in franchise cricket, ending Royal Challengers Bengaluru's wait for Indian Premier League success with consecutive titles in 2024 and 2025 and winning The Hundred with Trent Rockets in 2022.

"Andy Flower would be the top target, but I think it's highly unlikely he takes the job," said former England bowler Steven Finn.

"I think you would need a very fat cheque book to go to Andy Flower, because the scrutiny is a level on top of what you experience in franchise cricket.

"You need that ability to have a debate but then come out of it on the same page. I've not been coached by Andy Flower since he was England coach but he's softened just slightly from the person he was then to the person he is now."

Jonathan Trott

Current role: None Previous roles: Head coach - Afghanistan (2022-26)

A stoic top-order batter who played 120 matches for England, Trott was head coach of Afghanistan between 2022 and 2026.

His team beat England at the 2023 World Cup and also finished above his prospective new employers.

"Jonathan Trott is someone to keep an eye on because he is shaped and moulded in the form of Andy Flower, both as a player and in the way that he's coached," said Finn.

"He's had to deal with quite a volatile situation by coaching Afghanistan for the last four or five years. That would grow you up as a coach quite quickly."