Pakistan Head Coach Shortlisted for England Test Coach Role

Pakistan Head Coach Mike Hesson has reportedly emerged as one of the candidates being considered to become England’s next Test head coach following the departure of Brendon McCullum.

According to British media reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has shortlisted nine candidates to replace McCullum, who was dismissed after England’s 2-1 home Test series defeat to New Zealand. The defeat was followed by Test captain Ben Stokes announcing his retirement from international cricket.

The ECB is now searching for both a new Test captain and head coach ahead of England’s upcoming three-match home Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to run from August 19 to September 13.

Current white-ball captain Harry Brook is reportedly among the leading contenders to succeed Stokes as Test captain.

For the coaching role, the reported shortlist includes several high-profile names:

• Mike Hesson
• Justin Langer
• Andy Flower
• Richard Dawson
• Jonathan Trott
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Stephen Fleming
• Tom Moody
• Adi Birrell

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould recently said the pool of realistic candidates for the role was limited to only a handful of coaches worldwide.

According to reports, former England coach Andy Flower and former Australia coach Justin Langer are currently viewed as the frontrunners. However, Hesson’s inclusion has drawn particular attention because he is currently under contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The New Zealander has served as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach since May 2025, overseeing the national team’s limited-overs setup.

If appointed, Hesson would leave Pakistan to take charge of England’s Test side at a crucial time, with the team preparing for a new era following McCullum’s exit and Stokes’ retirement.