Poms poised to pick McCullum to lead side

ENGLAND are in discussions with Brendon McCullum over a contract to become their Test head coach.

The former New Zealand captain is expected to be confirmed in the role as early as Thursday (UK time).

The 40-year-old emerged as the favourite from a field that included Gary Kirsten to replace Chris Silverwood, who was in charge of the red and white-ball sides but was sacked after the 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.

McCullum retired from international cricket in 2016 but remained on the global T20 circuit until 2019, when he moved into coaching in the Indian Premier League and Caribbean Premier League.

He is in charge of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL at present.

Initially, McCullum was being considered for the limited-overs role because of his previous coaching experience and the fact that he is a close friend of Eoin Morgan, the England white-ball captain.

However, after his interview, which took place on Monday, it became clear that McCullum would be interested in the Test job and working with new skipper Ben Stokes.