Langer leads shortlist to become next England Test coach after Flower rules himself out

Justin Langer was in charge of the Australia men’s team for four years until February 2022. Photograph: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Justin Langer is believed to have moved to the top of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s shortlist of potential coaches of the men’s Test team, after Andy Flower ruled himself out of the running for the position on Friday.

Less than a week after Brendon McCullum was sacked as red-ball coach Rob Key, the managing director of men’s cricket who is leading the ECB’s recruitment process, has made significant progress in his search for a replacement.