England will hold interviews for a new national selector this week.

England moved to the final stage of appointing a new national selector with interviews this week.

The appointment is a significant change to England’s backroom staff following last summer’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

However, former selector Luke Wright’s departure is not related to Ashes humiliation – the former Sussex all-rounder’s decision to step down was a personal one.

The national selector is involved in every England player’s identity structure. The role includes advising on the final XI for Test or white-ball internationals, selecting senior and Lions teams, liaising with provinces and leading a scouting team.

Last week the Telegraph linked Steven Finn with the job, while the Daily Mail mentioned another former England fast bowler in Darren Gough. Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook ruled himself out of the tournament.

The new selector will only be involved in selecting the team for the first Test against New Zealand starting at Lord’s on June 4.

The squad is due to be named in the week commencing 18 May ahead of England’s training camp which starts at Loughborough on 25 May.

Ben Stokes’ side will be looking for a new opener to replace Zach Rowley after the heavy defeat in Australia.

Durham’s Emilio Gay and Somerset’s James Rew will be the frontrunners, and both could be called up in the squad for the first Test.

The identity of England’s front-line spinner and seamer will also be up for discussion to join the fast bowling department.

One of the challenges facing the selectors is balancing the value of performances in county cricket with England’s regime, guided by the qualities he believes are required to succeed in the Test arena in the near future.