McCullum in frame

FORMER New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has emerged as the leading candidate to become England’s new Test head coach, according to reports.

With Rob Key, the recently-appointed director of England men’s cricket, resolving to split the Test and limitedovers roles, it was widely interpreted that McCullum was in the running for the latter position.

As well as leading the Black Caps to the 2015 World Cup final, he was a trailblazing Twenty20 batter and has developed a close friendship over the years with England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan.

But McCullum also enjoyed a fruitful red-ball career, representing his country in 101 Tests, and was credited with instilling a new philosophy in his time as New Zealand captain between 2013 and 2016 that laid the foundations for their World Test Championship triumph last year under Kane Williamson.

Even though he has never coached a first-class team, the more dynamic outlook he showed at the helm of New Zealand could be appealing ahead of England’s first assignment – a three-match Test series against McCullum’s native Black Caps, starting at Lord’s on June 2.