Cricket: Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum reportedly targeted to take over as England coach

Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum has reportedly emerged as a target for England's vacant coaching position. 

Following a 4-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia, England are currently without a head coach, with Chris Silverwood sacked after a record of one win in the last 17 test matches.

England have since reacted by instilling former test batter turned commentator Rob Key as managing director, while Kiwi-born Ben Stokes has assumed the test captaincy after Joe Root stood down after a series defeat to the West Indies.

Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming.
Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming. Photo credit: Image - Photosport

All that's left is to fill the coaching role vacated by Silverwood, with England's Daily Mail reporting McCullum is at the top of the ECB's wishlist.

Since retiring from international cricket in 2016, 40-year-old McCullum has successfully moved into coaching in Twenty20 cricket.

As coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, McCullum won his first title as a coach back in 2020, before leading Kolkata Knight Riders to last year's Indian Premier League final, losing to compatriot Stephen Fleming's Chennai Super Kings.

England are understood to be exploring the option of splitting its red and white ball coaching roles, with McCullum reportedly sought to partner with England's limited overs captain Eoin Morgan in charge of the side.

McCullum and Morgan share a close relationship after time together in the Indian Premier League with Kolkata Knight Riders. 

As captain of the Blackcaps, McCullum instigated a culture shift within the New Zealand side, that saw them reach the Cricket World Cup final for the first time in 2015, and become a force in test cricket.

Former South Africa batter Gary Kirsten is reportedly in the frame to take over as England's test coach, after taking India to the status of World No.1, as well as winning the Cricket World Cup in 2011.