Former England captain Eoin Morgan believes Brendon McCullum is "one of the best coaches in the world" and should step into the white-ball vacancy.
Matthew Mott stepped down from the role earlier this week with immediate effect, having first taken charge of the one-day set-up in 2022 before leading England to T20 World Cup glory.
However, they endured a difficult 2023 Cricket World Cup, finishing seventh in the group, and failed to defend their T20 title earlier this year, scraping out of the groups before losing to eventual winners India.
Former England international Marcus Trescothick will take over as interim head coach, leading the team for the Australia series in September.
However, Morgan believes England have a ready replacement in McCullum if they can find a way to balance this job with his role as head coach at Test level.
"In my eyes at the moment, you would go to Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum," Morgan told Sky Sports.
"I say that because I believe he [McCullum] is one of the best coaches in the world. You can see what he did with the England Test team.
"Yes, the big question will be how he makes it fit over the course of the 12 months, but from Rob Key's point of view, he needs to make the job attractive.
"The option is not to have someone come in and let them grow in the job. You're talking about winning World Cups and winning Champions trophies.
"This is not an opportunity for a young guy to come in. You want the best person on the planet to come in and help Jos Buttler and the England cricket team get better."
McCullum has enjoyed an impressive two years alongside captain Ben Stokes at Test level, winning 17 of their 25 games, losing only eight and drawing one.
Most recently, they cruised to a 3-0 series win over West Indies, which saw debutants Gus Atkinson, who took a five-for in his first game, and Jamie Smith star in the comprehensive victory.
"I'm not sure McCullum has been given a lot of thought and if anything, he should," Morgan added.
"Key should have that conversation because we've seen a dramatic turnaround in the England Test team and the foil that he's made with Stokes.
"I've played under Brendon as a coach. We've seen what he's done in New Zealand cricket over the years and the success that he's had.
"He's a very versatile, more than capable coach who is highly, highly regarded, who ultimately has made the England Test team a better side, which is what you want from your head coach."
Springer hits 131 as West Indies Championship XI lead South Africa by 225 runs at stumps on day two of four-day warm-up game in Tarouba
Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer was the star of day two of the four-day warm-up match between the West Indies Championship XI and South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday.
The 26-year-old former West Indies Under-19 star hit 131, his maiden first-class hundred, to propel the West Indians to a formidable 397 all out in their first innings.
The Championship XI started day two 245-6 off 82 overs with Springer and Joshua Bishop at the crease on 45 and 6, respectively.
The pair batted excellently, putting on a partnership of 107 for the seventh wicket before Bishop fell for a 78-ball 50 off the bowling of Dane Piedt.
Kemar Roach (6) and Bryan Charles (0) fell not son after before Springer became the last man to go, also off the bowling of Piedt in the 118th over.
Springer’s innings lasted 212 balls and included 16 fours and three sixes.
Piedt finished with 3-41 off 16.3 overs while pacer Kagiso Rabada took 3-47 from his nine overs.
At stumps, South Africa reached 172-2 off 52 overs, trailing the Championship XI by 225 runs.
Opener Aiden Markram made 82 before retiring hurt while captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were the not out batsmen at the crease at the end of the day’s play on 36* and 35*, respectively.
Anderson Phillip and Nial Smith have split the two wickets.
Full Scores:
West Indies Championship XI 397 all out off 117.3 overs (Shamar Springer 131, Jeremy Solozano 111, Joshua Bishop 50, Dane Piedt 3-41, Kagiso Rabada 3-47, Keshav Maharaj 2-82)
South Africa 172-2 off 52 overs (Aiden Markram 82 retired hurt, Temba Bavuma 36*, David Bedingham 35*)
Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow pays tribute to Sir Frank Worrell on his 100th birthday
On the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary cricketer, highlighting his transformative impact on both the sport and the Caribbean community.
"Today, we stand at the intersection of history and aspiration, commemorating the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell," Dr. Shallow began. "This moment invites us to reflect deeply on a man whose impact extends far beyond the boundaries of cricket, touching the very essence of Caribbean identity and resilience."
Sir Frank Worrell's historic appointment in 1960 as the first black captain of the West Indies team for an entire series marked a turning point not only in cricket but also in the fight against racial prejudice. Dr. Shallow underscored how Worrell's leadership symbolized hope and change, unifying the Caribbean with a spirit of dignity, pride, and excellence. "Worrell’s appointment was a bold declaration that cricket in the West Indies would no longer be shackled by the chains of racial prejudice," Dr. Shallow emphasized.
Under Worrell’s captaincy, the West Indies team became a beacon of possibility and a source of collective pride. His ability to unite players from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive and formidable unit demonstrated that unity is the Caribbean’s greatest strength. "Sir Frank's tenure as captain was more than a chapter in a cricketing saga; it was a pivotal moment in our region's social and cultural renaissance," Dr. Shallow noted.
Reflecting on the current state of West Indies cricket, Dr. Shallow called for introspection and purposeful collaboration. He acknowledged that recent performances have not met the expectations of West Indian fans, and emphasized the need for transformation and innovation within the sport. "Our commitment to transformation in pursuit of excellence must be evident. We must embrace innovation and creativity to strengthen our cricket systems, including coaching and selections," he said.
Education, according to Dr. Shallow, is crucial for the future of West Indies cricket. He urged young cricketers to learn about the rich history of the Caribbean and the significance of cricket, emphasizing that the legacy of legends like Sir Frank Worrell must inspire future generations. "The legacy of legends like Sir Frank must be shared in all forms possible to inspire future generations," he asserted.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Shallow celebrated Sir Frank Worrell’s enduring legacy as a guiding light for the Caribbean. "Sir Frank Worrell’s legacy is a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream and work together," he said. "As we celebrate his life and contributions, let us recommit ourselves to the principles he stood for—unity, excellence, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. His story is our story, and as we move forward, let us carry his spirit with us, striving to build a future worthy of his legacy."
Matthews hits 78* to lead Welsh Fire to six-wicket win over London Spirit in Women’s Hundred
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews produced an excellent knock to spearhead the Welsh Fire in their six-wicket win over the London Spirit in action in the Women’s Hundred at Lord’s on Thursday.
The Spirit first posted 150-5 from their 100 balls after Fire captain Tammy Beaumont won the toss and put them in to bat.
Danielle Gibson led the way with the bat with a 25-ball 41 while Deepti Sharma made 39* off 26 balls in support.
Freya Davies took 2-19 from her 20 deliveries for the Fire while Beth Langston, Jess Jonassen and Georgia Davis shared the other three wickets.
Needing 151 off their 100 balls for victory, the Fire lost skipper Beaumont for 6 off the 11th ball of the innings bringing Matthews to the crease.
The Bajan batted through the rest of the chase on her way to 78* off just 46 balls as the Fire reached 151-4 off 95 balls.
She hit 11 fours and two sixes in her 59 minutes in the middle. Sarah Bryce provided the most support for Matthews with 21 off 18 balls including three fours.
Danielle Gibson completed a good all-round performance with 2-28 off 15 balls.
This was the Fire’s second win in three games and moves them up to third in the eight-team table with four points, the same as the Spirit in second and the Oval Invincibles in first.
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