Fleming expected to be named England Test coach
England are expected to appoint former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as their new Test head coach, following the sacking of Brendon McCullum earlier this month. McCullum was dismissed after a run of poor results and off-field incidents, though he remains in charge of England's white-ball sides. The appointment matters because whoever takes over inherits a side whose form has dipped sharply since the exciting early days of the "Bazball" era, and the new coach will also help choose a Test captain following Ben Stokes's shock retirement from international cricket.
Fleming, 53, has emerged as the leading candidate after former England coach Andy Flower ruled himself out, with reported contender Justin Langer saying he had not been approached by the ECB. McCullum won 10 of his first 12 Tests in charge, but England have since won just 17 of 37 and have not claimed a multi-match series since December 2024. It remains unclear whether Fleming, alongside director of men's cricket Rob Key and national selector Marcus North, would be in place in time for the three-Test series against Pakistan starting at Headingley on 19 August, or whether an interim coach will be needed. Other names linked to the role include Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty, Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann and Ryan Campbell.
- Stephen Fleming tipped to become England's new Test coach
- Replaces sacked Brendon McCullum, whose results had slumped
- Unclear if Fleming will be ready for August's Pakistan series
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England's Test cricket team is searching for a new head coach after Brendon McCullum was dismissed from the role due to poor results and off-field incidents. This appointment is significant because the team's form has declined markedly and a new coach will help determine the direction of the team's captaincy after Ben Stokes's retirement from international cricket.
When McCullum first took charge, he introduced an attacking style of play that initially brought success, with England winning 10 of their first 12 Test matches. However, the team's subsequent performances have been disappointing, winning just 17 of 37 matches since that strong start and failing to claim a series victory since late 2024.
The new head coach will be tasked with reversing England's recent form and will have significant influence over the team's strategy, selection, and identity going forward. This makes the appointment a pivotal moment for English Test cricket after a period of decline following the initial promise of the McCullum era.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Fleming could bring fresh ideas and a strong record of leadership to a team whose results have declined, while helping shape a new direction after Ben Stokes’s retirement. His appointment may also give England a chance to retain some of the positive energy of the Bazball era while addressing its shortcomings.
The case against
A high-profile appointment may not resolve deeper problems behind England’s poor results, and changing coaches again could unsettle the team without a clear long-term plan. Fleming would also face a demanding transition, including helping select a new captain and potentially preparing the side at short notice for the Pakistan series.