McCullum close to being appointed England Test coach

Brendon McCullum is close to being appointed as England men's new Test head coach.

The 40-year-old is understood to have emerged as the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) preferred candidate, and is believed to be interested in the job, but a deal still needs to be agreed.

McCullum, who played 101 Test matches for New Zealand, is currently in charge of Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders.

The ECB interviewed for both England's white and red ball head coaching positions last week following new managing director Rob Key's decision to split the roles following the departure of Chris Silverwood.

Former South Africa and India head coach Gary Kirsten had been considered a major contender for the role, with the ECB set to make the appointment before the end of the week.

Ex-Australia batter Simon Katich and former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood were also part of the process and remain in contention for the white-ball job.

The ECB favouring McCullum for the Test job comes a surprise, as the former New Zealand captain is better known as a white-ball specialist.

However, as Sky Sports' James Cole explains, he does not come without adequate experience for the Test role.

"The emergence of Brendon McCullum as a leading candidate for the Test role is a surprise because, on the surface, he would appear more suited to the white-ball role," said Cole.

"As a player, he was a white-ball specialist, that is where his prowess was.

"As a coach, he has worked exclusively with franchise T20 cricket and he also has a very good relationship with Eoin Morgan, England's current white-ball captain.

"That said, McCullum played over 100 Tests for New Zealand and the former captain certainly knows what it takes to be successful