Gary Kirsten is likely to leave Gujarat Titans to coach England. Kirsten informed Rob Key that he is available to be a part of the coaching set-up. It was reported earlier in the week that Kirsten has been approached by ECB for the role but his IPL contract with Gujarat Titans was the only cause of concern.
He is associated with the franchise as their batting coach and mentor. But the former South Africa player is ready to leave GT after IPL 2022.
However, he would get little time to know England players as this year’s IPL final is on May 29, only four days before the start of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Titans are favourites to qualify for the mega IPL final.
Kirsten, 54, played 149 of his 176 innings for South Africa as an opener. His average of 45 and 21 Test hundreds makes him one of the best candidates to guide England out of the tough times.
Kirsten was close to getting the job in 2019 but Chris Silverwood pipped him after the former appeared without any preparations.