Kumar Sangakkara, Flintoff among contenders for England’s white-ball head coach role

Andrew Flintoff, Kumar Sangakkara, and Marcus Trescothick are being considered to become the new head coach of England’s white-ball cricket teams following the departure of Matthew Mott. Mott, who led England to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup, stepped down on Tuesday after disappointing performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

With Mott leaving, England is now searching for a new coach to work with captain Jos Buttler. Andrew Flintoff is seen as a strong candidate for the role. Flintoff is currently coaching the Northern Superchargers' men's team in The Hundred and has been praised by England's managing director, Rob Key, who earlier this year called him a worthy candidate.

"He will be a worthy candidate going forward," Key told the Daily Telegraph. 

"When that time comes and whoever is in this job, and it might be outside of my time, they would be stupid not to look at him. Flintoff is a leader like [Ben] Stokes. He is not going to need to learn leadership qualities," he further added.

In the interim, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will lead the team. Trescothick will have the opportunity to prove himself as head coach during England’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia in September.

Kumar Sangakkara is another prominent name being considered. The legendary Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter has worked closely with Jos Buttler in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals. Buttler's successful performances under Sangakkara's guidance, including seven centuries in the IPL, strengthen Sangakkara's candidacy.

Other potential candidates for the head coach position include Michael Hussey, Jonathan Trott, and former England captain Eoin Morgan.

The England cricket board aims to find the right coach to restore the team’s success and lead them to future victories in white-ball cricket.