TimesofIndia.com in London: Former Australian player and coach Justin Langer he has become a major contender to become England’s next head coach Brendon McCullum he was fired last week.Langer is understood to be at the top of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) shortlist. However, it remains to be seen how his commitment is with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred. Strong indications are that Langer may leave LSG and talks with the ECB will take place in the coming days.TimesofIndia.com also understands that India’s top coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid He is not running for the position. Although all the respectable figures were briefly linked to the job, no part of the ECB is currently recruiting.The ECB are looking to appoint a new coach before England’s home Test against Pakistan next month, with Langer on the line if contract issues 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, distanced himself from the competition.Langer became the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants in 2023 after replacing Flower. He also coaches Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred. When asked by the ECB, he will have to decide whether to accept the England role and give up his commitments, remain in franchise cricket, or try to balance both roles. Flower faced a similar decision and chose to continue in competitive cricket.McCullum ended his tenure as England’s Test coach with a record of 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats. England’s form dipped significantly towards the end of his tenure, with the team losing nine of their last nine Tests. His reign both started and ended with a home series against his native New Zealand. It started with a 3-0 sweep in 2022 and ended with the next loss last month.“I really enjoy coaching the Test side and I am very proud of what we have achieved together,” McCullum said after being sacked.“There have been a lot of unbelievable things and tough days, but that’s all part of dealing with a problem like this. It’s been a privilege and an honor, and I’m grateful. I’m very grateful to the players, the staff and the fans who have supported us on this journey.“I don’t wish the Test team any success. There’s a hell of a lot of talent in that dressing room and they’re a special group of lads. I’ll always be rooting for the lads, with a smile on my face, hoping they continue to take the game. I know they’ll continue to make people proud.”