Fleming Leads the Race to Succeed McCullum as England Test Coach

Stephen Fleming has become the leading candidate to coach England’s Test side, following a lengthy search overseen by managing director Rob Key. Should he get the job, Fleming would work alongside Brendon McCullum, who is set to stay on as white-ball coach after steering England to T20I and ODI series wins over India.

A franchise pedigree

Fleming’s reputation comes largely from franchise cricket. Since finishing his playing career in 2008, he has been closely tied to Chennai Super Kings, who won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies under him. He is due to leave that post at the end of the 2026 season. As a player he also appeared in the English county game for Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Middlesex, although he has never yet coached a red-ball international team.

No rush from the ECB

Reports say the England and Wales Cricket Board is in no hurry to make him start straight away. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick is expected to take charge for the three-Test home series against Pakistan, which begins on August 19. Fleming could then formally begin ahead of the December tour of South Africa. That schedule would leave him seven Tests to shape the group before the 2027 Ashes at home.

The rival candidates

Fleming is reported to have come out ahead of several well-known names, among them Andy Flower, Justin Langer, Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott. Flower is said to have pulled out so he could concentrate on his franchise commitments, while Langer confirmed that the ECB never contacted him.

Captaincy also up for grabs

England also need a new Test captain after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket. According to reports, former skipper Joe Root, who gave up the job four years ago, is the front-runner to take it back.