Last Updated on 14 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Justin Langer is not currently being considered for the England men’s Test coaching role. Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott are among the leading candidates.
According to a report in Telegraph Sport, interviews for the vacant role began this week. Langer was not among the shortlisted candidates for the opening round of talks. Like Andy Flower, who turned down the role, Langer coaches in The Hundred and Indian Premier League.
Jonathan Trott and Richard Dawson leading English candidates to land Test job, Stephen Fleming also being considered
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is also in the running. Fleming’s time at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came to an end earlier this month, paving the way for a potential move to England.
However, Trott and Dawson are believed to be the leading candidates.
Trott played Test cricket under Flower during England’s rise to number one in the world. He also built his coaching reputation during his stint with Afghanistan, where he led them to the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-finals amid other competitive showings. His patience and temperament as a player can rub off well on the current England team that is in need of a new approach.
Former England keeper-batsman Matt Prior believes Trott is best suited to the role. He said that Trott has experience of winning tough away tours and can be a strong foil for the current group.
“Now Flower isnt available I’d have Trott. Really like the idea of Langer (he would certainly sort the mentality side of things) but would be nice to have one of our own coaching the England team. Trott knows how to win in Australia, India, & what it takes to be #1 in Test cricket,” Prior wrote on X.
Dawson also has a strong chance of getting the job. He led Glamorgan to promotion last year and can take over straight away with the County willing to release him. Trott currently has a short-term freelance role with Ireland.
Earlier this month, George Dobell of The Cricketer reported that Langer is a strong favourite to land the England job. The likes of Darren Lehmann and Marcus Stoinis have backed Langer to be successful in the role. However, the former Australia coach is not among the candidates in the first round of interviews.
The ECB will prefer to have the coach available in time for the first Test against Pakistan on August 19. However, they are also willing to have Marcus Trescothick as an interim if the new coach can only begin at a later date.
