Ricky Ponting reveals being approached for England Test coach role before Brendon McCullum | Cricket News – Times of India

Former Australian World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting has disclosed that he was approached for the position of England Test coach prior to Brendon McCullum assuming the role last year.
This development came in the wake of England’s disheartening 0-4 Ashes defeat on Australian soil. The English men’s team underwent a substantial reorganization, with McCullum taking charge as the Test coach and Matthew Mott assuming the responsibilities for white-ball cricket, thereby replacing Chris Silverwood.
In addition to these coaching changes, Test captain Joe Root relinquished his captaincy, while Graham Thorpe, the team’s batting mentor, and Ashley Giles, the managing director, also departed from their positions.
Ponting revealed that Rob Key, who was subsequently appointed as the director of men’s cricket for the England Cricket Board, approached him regarding the coaching opportunity.
“I actually got asked before Brendon took the job – there you go, you guys might be the first to find that out,” Ponting told the Guerilla Cricket podcast.
“I did take some calls from Robert Key as soon as he took over that job.”

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However, Ponting, who is the head coach of Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals, turned down the offer, as he wants to spend time with his family.
“But I’m just not ready for a full-time international coaching job, where I am at in my life. Having travelled as much as I have, with young kids now, I just don’t want to be away as much as I was.”
“And even talking to Brendon, his family is only just arriving today. When you have got kids that are in school, moving them around, that’s not what I want to do,” the former Australian batter said.
Led by new Test captain Ben Stokes and coached by McCullum, England have embraced an aggressive and fearless style of cricket, aptly termed ‘Bazball’ by an English cricket journalist, drawing inspiration from McCullum’s nickname ‘Baz’.
Since their leadership took charge, the England Test team has undergone a remarkable transformation, winning 11 out of their 13 matches.
Despite their recent success, England faced a setback in the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston, where they suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat. However, with the second Ashes Test set to commence at Lord’s on Wednesday, the team will be eager to bounce back and continue their impressive form under the dynamic duo of Stokes and McCullum.