LONDON: Indian great Rahul Dravid has emerged as one of the contenders to succeed Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach after New Zealand was removed after the team’s disappointing run in the longest format.
According to a report in Daily TelegraphDravid is on a list of potential candidates, including former England coach Andy Flower and former England spinner Richard Dawson.
McCullum’s four-year tenure as Test coach ended after England’s 1-2 home series loss to New Zealand, with the England and Wales Cricket Board deciding “the time is right to make a change” ahead of next year’s Ashes. He will remain in charge of the ODI and T20I sides.
The 53-year-old Dravid, who led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and the 2023 World Test Championship final, is seen as an attractive candidate because of his “meticulous” approach and deep understanding of the game.
However, the paper noted that Dravid has “no desire” to be a full-time coach. “Dravid has no desire to be a full-time coach, but the England Test job would allow him long spells at home and the opportunity to help keep his favorite format of the game alive. England should, at the very least, appreciate his interest,” the report said.
Among the leading candidates is Zimbabwean great Andy Flower, England’s most successful manager in the modern era, having guided the team to three Ashes series victories and the No.1 Test ranking.
Flower has also enjoyed considerable success in franchise cricket, including back-to-back IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Dawson, currently Glamorgan’s head coach, is also seen as a serious alternative having impressed with his tactical acumen and coaching credentials at both county and international level.
Other names mentioned in the report include Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson and former Australia coach Justin Langer.
