Andy Flower rules out England Test coach role, ECB seeks replacement

Former England head coach Andy Flower, who led the side from 2009 to 2014, has ruled himself out of the vacant England Test coach position that opened after Brendon McCullum was dismissed. Flower said he is "very happy" with his current commitments as head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he guided the IPL franchise to back‑to‑back titles in 2025 and 2026, and as London Spirit coach in The Hundred. He explained that the IPL schedule would clash with the English summer and that he could not manage both roles, confirming he had spoken with ECB managing director Rob Key.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now evaluating other candidates. Reports highlight former Australia coach Justin Langer – who coached the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and previously led Australia (2018‑2022) – as a frontrunner, prompting mixed reactions from fans. Other names mentioned include former England captain‑turned‑coach Andrew Flintoff and ex‑New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming. The search continues as England prepares for upcoming Test series.