England are reportedly planning to use veteran seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad as player-coaches, with current bowling coach Jon Lewis due to leave his role.
Lewis is reportedly set to take up a new job within the ECB's pathway system and England are said to be keen to tap into Anderson and Broad's expertise going forward. A report from the Daily Mail states that the ECB are searching for a temporary bowling coach to replace Lewis for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in December.
However, the report adds that head coach Brendon McCullum's long-term plan is to utilise Anderson and Broad's knowledge instead of permanently replacing Lewis. Since his appointment in May, McCullum has looked to reduce the number of backroom staff involved with the Test side.
And both Anderson and Broad could be 'trialled' as player-coach roles when England head to New Zealand for a two match Test series in February. The series is not part of the World Test Championship cycle, meaning England could rotate the pair 'leaving the one sat out to help oversee net practice.'
Having been dropped for the tour of the West Indies in March, Anderson and Broad have been crucial to England's success this summer after being recalled by McCullum and new captain Ben Stokes.
Anderson, 40, has picked up 27 wickets at an average of 17.66, while Broad, 36, has taken 29 at 27.17 and McCullum has spoken glowingly about the way they are "continuing to build on the legacy they're going to leave for the next generation".
Speaking after the deciding Test against South Africa, McCullum said: "They're both smiling. How good's that? Those guys are phenomenal cricketers.
"They could finish any time they wanted and they'd still be considered greats of the game. What they're doing is continuing to build on the legacy they're going to leave for the next generation - the time they're giving other people in the dressing-room is phenomenal.
"Stuff you don't see behind the scenes. The time, the effort and the confidence they're giving the other guys is quite remarkable, really."
