Legendary India batter Rahul Dravid has emerged as one of the contenders to succeed Brendon McCullum as England's Test coach after the New Zealander stepped down from the position on Sunday (July 12).

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Dravid’s name features among the shortlisted potential candidates, also including Zimbabwe great Andy Flower and ex-England spinner Richard Dawson.

McCullum's decision to stand down follows a humiliating 4-1 Ashes debacle in Australia, a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand, and the sudden international retirement of Test captain Stokes. He will remain in his role as the head coach of England’s T20I and ODI teams.

During his coaching stint with India, Dravid famously guided the team to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and the 2023 World Test Championship final. The 53-year-old is being viewed as attractive candidate by the ECB because of his "meticulous" tactical approach, structural planning, and deep understanding of the game.

"Dravid has no desire to coach full-time, but the England Test job would allow him extended periods at home and the chance to help keep alive his favourite format of the game. England, at the very least, should gauge his interest," the report stated.

Among the leading candidates is Flower, whose CV as a coach is a highly accomplished one. He had previously coached England to the T20 World Cup title in 2010 and also guided them to No. 1 spot in Test rankings. Under his tenure, the Three Lions had also secured three Ashes series victories.

Dawson, currently serving Glamorgan as head coach, is also seen as a serious option after impressing with his tactical shrewdness and coaching credentials at both county and international levels.

Other names reportedly in the fray Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson and former Australia coach Justin Langer.