Brendon McCullum emerges as the favorite to become the new England Test coach

Brendon McCullum, the pioneering former New Zealand captain, has emerged as the favorite to become England's Test head coach. Meanwhile, an announcement on the successful candidate is expected to release this week.

Rob Key, the director of England men's cricket, is looking to recruit separate coaches for the Test and white-ball sides. Brendon McCullum is among those known to have been first sounded out and then interviewed during the past couple of days.

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It was widely believed the 40-year-old McCullum's application would relate to the limited-overs vacancy. He has already had a nascent coaching career spent exclusively in franchise T20 cricket. Moreover, he has a close friendship with Eoin Morgan, England's white-ball captain.

But there is now a growing expectation that McCullum may take charge of the Test set-up. The move would combine his aggressive outlook with the captaincy of Ben Stokes. However, their first assignment against New Zealand at Lord's will be on June 2.

If so it would mean Gary Kirsten is missing out on the role once more. He was the runner-up when Chris Silverwood was hired in 2019. That said, former South Africa and India head coach has a strong reputation for augmenting sides with existing depth and so could yet secure the equivalent position with the white-ball.

Paul Collingwood is being considered for the limited-overs role

Paul Collingwood, currently an assistant coach with England, is another being considered for the limited-overs role. At the same time, the former Australia batsman Simon Katich has similarly been part of a recruitment process that began when Key took charge of the men's national teams at the start of last month.

However, McCullum is widely credited for changing the culture of New Zealand's Test team as captain between 2013 and 2016. He has also laid the foundation for the World Test Championship title last year under his successor, Kane Williamson.

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Brendon McCullum is currently coaching Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. Although, Key has said previously he is open to England's head coach if it secures the right candidate.