In a very interesting potential move that could shake things up for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise in the IPL is that the RCB coach, Andy Flower, has been linked to the vacant England Test coach role.
Earlier this month, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sacked Brendon McCullum as the Test coach even though his contract had been designed up to the home 2027 Ashes. McCullum, though, has been retained as the white-ball coach following England’s successful run to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup this year and the hammering of India at home by 4-0 recently.
McCullum has been removed from the Test role just days after captain Ben Stokes brought the curtains to his international career.
The New Zealander took up the England Test coach job in 2022, along with the appointment of Stokes as the skipper, in the wake of a horrendous run for the England Test team under Joe Root and Chris Silverwood.
The Bazball wave washed over everyone as England clattered run chases at home and even beat Pakistan away. However, England couldn’t attain a series win over their two strongest opponents: out of the four Test series under Stokes and McCullum against Australia and India, England drew two (both at home) and lost two (both away).
The Ashes 2025/26 drubbing in Australia was quite significant and brutal. And even though McCullum, Stokes, and managing director Rob Key managed to retain their positions in the post-Ashes review, only Key now remains in the role following the 2-1 loss at home to New Zealand this summer.
Who will be the new England Test coach? RCB’s Andy Flower in the fray
According to ESPNcricinfo, RCB coach Andy Flower is touted as the favorite to become England’s new Test coach, but at the same time, he would continue with RCB.
The ECB is considering allowing their new Test coach to work in the IPL or any other franchise leagues if they desire.
Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, said, “We need to be progressive in these issues. We’ve got players trying to balance between county, franchise, international cricket. It’s a really busy calendar. We may well have to do the same with our coaching staff and supporting staff; we already do, to an extent. But I think that is something that we will have to have a look at.
“One of the difficulties is the IPL dates are not a fixed thing, and there maybe will be some compromises that need to be made along the way. But the important thing is that we’ve got the best individuals that offer the best fit and we get them into those positions. It is something that we would certainly consider.”
Flower is already experienced in coaching the England team to immense success in the past. Under Flower, England became the No. 1 Test team in 2011 when they thumped India 4-0 at home after having sealed a historic Ashes 2010/11 series in Australia, the last time England won the away Ashes.
He also coached RCB to two consecutive IPL trophies, ending an 18-season drought for the franchise. In the coming weeks, Flower will be overseeing the London Spirit in the Hundred.
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