Lehmann backs Langer as England Test coach contender

Darren Lehmann has endorsed Justin Langer as a strong candidate for the England men's Test head coach position, while confirming he has not been contacted about the role himself.

The vacancy arose after Brendon McCullum was sacked last week. Andy Flower, who previously held the role from 2009 to 2014, ruled himself out due to franchise commitments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and London Spirit in The Hundred, leaving Langer as the apparent frontrunner.

Endorsement from former Australia coach

Lehmann, who coached Australia to a 5-0 Ashes whitewash in 2013-14 and stepped down in 2018 after the ball-tampering scandal, told Sky Sports he is happy in his current role as Northamptonshire coach. 'You'd certainly listen to it,' he said of the England job, but added, 'My feeling is they've already made up their mind. If you remove someone mid-summer, you've got somebody in mind.'

• Lehmann has not been contacted by England about the Test coach role
• Justin Langer is considered the frontrunner after McCullum's sacking
• Andy Flower ruled out due to franchise commitments
• Langer previously succeeded Lehmann as Australia coach and retained the Ashes in 2019
• Langer resigned in 2022 amid reported fallout with senior players

Langer's tenure as Australia coach included a drawn Ashes series in England in 2019 and a 4-0 victory at home in 2021-22. His resignation shortly after the latter win adds complexity to his candidacy, but his strong record may appeal to England's selectors as they seek a replacement ahead of upcoming Test series.

No official timeline has been given for the appointment, but the third ODI between England and India at Lord's on Sunday may provide further clarity if England decision-makers address the search.