Michael Atherton believes England could struggle to appoint a new head coach before the first Test of the summer, giving new captain Ben Stokes an opportunity to stamp his authority on the team.
England sacked former coach Chris Silverwood back in February following their humiliating 4-0 defeat by Australia in the Ashes. New Managing Director of Men's Cricket Rob Key is looking to split the role, with England advertising for separate red and white ball coaches.
The advertisement states the application process will end on May 6, with first stage interviews taking place on May 9 and 10. That leaves the ECB and Key with less than a month to ensure that a new head coach is appointed before the first Test against New Zealand, which is due to start on June 2 at Lord's.
