TimesofIndia.com London: Former Australian opener and coach Justin Lange Top contenders to become England’s next Test head coach Brendan McCallum Got fired last week.It is understood Langer is high on the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) shortlist. However, his commitments with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Manchester Super Giants in the top 100 remain to be seen. There are strong signs that Langer may part ways with LSG, with discussions with the ECB set to begin in the coming days.TimesofIndia.com has also learned that the former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid Not competing for this role. While both well-respected figures have been briefly linked with the vacancy, neither is part of the ECB’s current recruitment process.The ECB are aiming to appoint a new coach ahead of England’s home Test series against Pakistan next month, with Langer firmly in the lead if contractual hurdles can be resolved.Earlier, Andy Flower, who currently coaches London Spirit in the hundred and led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to back-to-back IPL titles, refused to take part in the match.Langer will take over as the head coach of Lucknow Supergiants in 2023 after taking over from Flower. He also coached Manchester Supergiants in the Top 100 team. If approached by the ECB, he would have to decide whether to accept the England role and abandon his franchise commitments and continue playing exclusive franchise cricket, or try to balance the two responsibilities. Flower was faced with a similar choice and chose to stay in franchise cricket.McCullum ended his tenure as England Test team coach with a record of 27 wins, 2 draws and 20 losses. Towards the end of his tenure, England’s form plummeted, with the team losing seven of their last nine Tests. His tenure began and ended with a home series against his native New Zealand. The team started 2022 with a 3-0 sweep that ended with a series loss last month.“I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Test team and I’m immensely proud of what we achieved together,” McCallum said after his dismissal.“There have been some incredible highs and tough days along the way, but it’s all part of taking on a challenge like this. It’s been an honor and a privilege and I’m grateful. Thank you to the players, staff and fans who have supported us along the way.“I wish the Test team every success. There is a lot of talent in the dressing room and they are a special group of lads. I will always support the boys with a smile on my face and hope they continue to play. I know they will continue to make people proud.”
