5-time IPL-winning CSK coach Fleming to succeed McCullum as England Test head coach

After stepping down as five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side’s head coach, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is the frontrunner to take the role of England Test cricket team’s head coach. After England’s Test series defeat to New Zealand, Brendon McCullum stepped down from the role while he continues to coach the white-ball sides.

As per a report by The Telegram, Fleming had conversations with England Cricket Board (ECB) director Rob Key, more than a couple of weeks ahead of England's next Test series. Former England Test head coach Andy Flower has already ruled himself out of contention. 

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Earlier, Fleming has worked with The Hundred franchise Southern Brave as their coach. He has also represented Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire as a player.

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Before Fleming became a frontrunner for the job, Tom Moody, Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott were other names that were other contenders. Recently, former Australia opener Justin Langer denied any contact from the ECB over the head coach role.

England will be facing Pakistan at home in a three-Test series, starting August 19. With World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final spot unlikely, England’s next focus will on the Ashes 2027 at home. 

If Fleming is not named Test head coach straightaway, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick can serve as interim head coach for the Pakistan Test series.

England’s remaining Test series in current WTC cycle and one-off Tests

In the current WTC cycle, England will play three Tests against South Africa and two Tests against Bangladesh. Both of them will be away series. England are also scheduled to play a one-off Test in March 2027 to mark the 150th anniversary of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It will follow a one-off Test for Bangladesh at home.

Who will be England’s next Test captain?

After Ben Stokes’ nightclub controversy, England went back to Joe Root as captain instead of naming vice-captain Harry Brook as Test captain. A retired Stokes backed Brook for the role but ECB are yet to announce their new skipper in red-ball cricket.

Meanwhile, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald expects the next England head coach to have conversations with Stokes and convince him to unretire for the Ashes 2027.