England have added Brendon McCullum to their wishlist as they push on with plans to become the only current major cricket nation with split coaches.
The ECB’s new managing director of cricket, Rob Key, is understood to have approached several potential candidates over the past fortnight, with former South Africa and India coach Gary Kirsten sounded out specifically about the Test role.
McCullum, 40, is head coach of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders and is arguably best remembered as a player for his devastating white-ball batting.
However, he also revolutionised New Zealand’s Test cricket with his attacking philosophy as captain during a career that saw him earn 101 caps, highlighting his red-ball credentials.