Nasser Hussain believes Ricky Ponting is an "exceptional candidate" to become England 's new head coach, following Chris Silverwood's departure from the role last week.
Silverwood was axed in the wake of England's 4-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes, with managing director Ashley Giles and assistant coach Graham Thorpe also leaving their roles.
Ponting, who currently coaches Delhi Capitals in the IPL and has previously worked with the Australian team, has been mooted as a potential replacement and Hussain feels he could help improve England's fortunes in Test cricket.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Hussain said: "For me, Ricky Ponting would be an exceptional candidate.
"I've worked with Ricky and the moment I walk into a commentary box and listen to what he says or look at what he does in the IPL with Delhi, I just think that this lad has got a fantastic cricket brain."
Hussain also feels Ponting's reputation as a player would be a major asset, with the Australian the second leading run scorer in Test history and one of the most successful captains ever.
"I think Ponting would do a lot of good things," Hussain added on Sky Sports Cricket. "The respect Ponting would have in any dressing room around the world.
"If you're taking on Ricky Ponting you better be a pretty good cricketer to say 'no, I think you got that wrong'.
"I am not sure that there are that many good English candidates, unfortunately, and that is something that needs looking at."
In the interim, Paul Collingwood will take charge for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies as caretaker coach.
Collingwood was Silverwood's deputy and recently led the T20I squad when they faced the West Indies last month.
"I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean," said Collingwood. "I can't wait to get started.
"Having a challenging Test series against the West Indies straight off the back of the Ashes disappointment gives us a chance from now to reset and rebuild."
