TimesofIndia.com in London: Former Australian opener and coach Justin Langer he emerged as the leading contender to become England’s next Test coach after that Brendon McCullum he was fired from the role last week.Langer is understood to be at the top of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) list. However, it remains to be seen how his engagements with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred will fare. Strong indications suggest that Langer could leave LSG and talks with the ECB will develop in the coming days.TimesofIndia.com also understands that former coaches in India Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid I am not in contention for the role. While both highly respected figures were briefly linked to the vacancy, neither is part of the ECB’s current recruitment process.The ECB is aiming to appoint a new coach before England’s home Test series against Pakistan begins next month, with Langer firmly in pole position if contractual hurdles can be resolved.Earlier, Andy Flower, who is currently coaching London Spirit in The Hundred and led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to back-to-back IPL titles, ruled himself out of the race.Langer took over as coach of Lucknow Super Giants in 2023 after succeeding Flower. He also coached Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred. If approached by the ECB, he will have to decide whether to accept the role of England and leave his franchise commitments, remain only in franchise cricket, or attempt to balance the two responsibilities. Flower faced a similar choice and chose to continue in franchise cricket.McCullum finished his tenure as England’s Test manager with a record of 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats. England’s form dipped dramatically towards the end of his stint, with the team losing seven of their last nine Tests. His tenure began and ended with the home series against his native New Zealand. It started with a commanding 3-0 defeat in 2022 and concluded with a series defeat last month.“I’ve absolutely loved coaching the Test side and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” McCullum had said after being sacked.“There have been some incredible and a few tough days along the way, but that’s all part of taking on a challenge like this. It’s been a privilege and an honor, and I’m grateful. Grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who have supported us on the journey.“I wish the Testa team nothing but success. There is a hell of a lot of talent in that way and they are a special bunch of lads. I will always be the support of the boys, with a smile on my face, and hoping that they will continue to take the game.