England will consider between six and 10 names as they search for Brendon McCullum’s successor as Test head coach and would like to have the person in place for August’s series against Pakistan, ECB chief executive Richard Gould says.

McCullum, 44, was sacked as red-ball coach on Sunday after seven defeats in the last nine Tests.

England’s next Test is against Pakistan at Headingley on August 19 and the team is also currently without a captain after Ben Stokes announced his retirement during the series loss to New Zealand at the end of June.

Gould told BBC Sport: “It will be a specific selection process. “We often do a lot of work in terms of succession planning; I will always keep a short list of coaches and other positions and, in truth, this position is probably one where the short list does not include more than six to 10 names globally of a diverse nature.

“In terms of conversations, they will start happening now and [managing director of men’s cricket] “Rob Key will be the leader on this.”

Gould confirmed that the England and Wales Cricket Board will look to install a head coach first and that person will have a say, along with Key and national selector Marcus North, in the appointment of a captain.

The new coach will have to work alongside McCullum, who retains the white player role, to balance the best interests of English cricket in a crowded cricket calendar where players manage international and franchise commitments.

McCullum’s four-year reign as Test coach has seen England adopt an aggressive style of cricket, but Gould believes his replacement does not necessarily have to reflect that.

“When you look at the skills we have and the talents we have within the team, it is a team that has been playing relatively aggressive cricket,” Gould said.

“But there are always options for the pattern of play to change depending on what the coach wants and where he thinks those skills are.

“It will have to be an individual who complements the skills we have in the players and can bring out the best in them.”

While England would like McCullum’s replacement to be in position for the three-Test series against Pakistan, Gould accepts a stopgap solution may occur.

“Clearly the individuals who will be on our short list will have other commitments – they may be international cricket, they may be county cricket, they may be franchise cricket – and we will have to work on them,” Gould said.

“There could be an interim solution if it allows us to make the best possible decision later.”

Gould added that England would also consider a model where a coach could continue his franchise commitments in addition to the role.