Andy Flower rules himself out of England Test coach position

Andy Flower has officially withdrawn from consideration to replace Brendon McCullum as head coach of the England Test team. McCullum was sacked earlier this month following a poor run of form and several off-field controversies, though he remains in charge of England's white-ball sides.

Flower served as England head coach from 2009 to 2014, leading the team to three Ashes victories, including the 2010-11 away series win, before leaving after a 5-0 defeat in Australia. The Zimbabwean currently coaches Royal Challengers Bengaluru, whom he guided to Indian Premier League titles in 2025 and 2026, and also coaches London Spirit. He previously won The Hundred with Trent Rockets in 2022.

Speaking at a media day for London Spirit, Flower confirmed he had spoken with the ECB but was satisfied in his current roles. "I have spoken to the ECB. I am aware of the head coach vacancy of the England national team. I have spoken with Rob Key on that topic. The bottom line for me is I'm very happy in the work that I'm doing at the moment," Flower said. "I work for a couple of really good organisations, with really good teams around me and I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing at the moment. It would be a privilege for me or anyone else to be the Test coach. For me at this time, I'm really comfortable with what I'm doing and I'm going to stick with doing that." When asked if he had ruled himself out, he replied: "I have, yes."