The England and Wales Cricket Board will interview six to ten candidates for the vacant Test head‑coach role, aiming to have a permanent appointment before the three‑Test series against Pakistan at Headingley on 19 August. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said the selection will be “targeted” and that Rob Key will lead the initial talks, with national selector Marcus North also involved. The new coach will work alongside Brendon McCullum, who retains the white‑ball job, and will help choose the next England captain after Ben Stokes retired in June.

Potential candidates include former England coach Andy Flower, who currently leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru and London Spirit, and former England batsman Jonathan Trott, recently out of the Afghanistan job. Other names under consideration are former England great Andrew Flintoff, Glamorgan boss Richard Dawson, Surrey coach Gareth Batty, former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, and ex‑Australia captain Justin Langer. Former England wicketkeeper‑keeper Ryan Campbell, now at Durham, also appears on the list.

Gould acknowledged that many shortlist members have existing commitments, so an interim coach could be appointed if needed. The decision will shape England’s approach to the aggressive style instituted by McCullum and influence the captaincy appointment, affecting the team’s preparation for the crowded international and franchise calendar.