Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is set to become England’s next Test head coach, according to a report by The Telegraph. The 52-year-old is expected to replace Brendon McCullum, who was removed from the role earlier this month after the team's defeat against New Zealand.
Fleming recently ended his long association with Chennai Super Kings after stepping down as the franchise’s head coach following the 2026 IPL season.
A report in the Daily Mail said Fleming was chosen ahead of Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott during the recruitment process.
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When will Fleming take over as England head coach?
If appointed, Fleming will officially begin his stint in December 2026 when England tour South Africa for a three-match Test series.
Before that, England will face Pakistan in a three-Test series during August and September, with former opener Marcus Trescothick taking charge as the interim head coach.
Fleming 5-time IPL-winning coach, set to make debut in international coaching
Although Fleming has never coached an international team, he has enjoyed tremendous success in franchise cricket over the past 17 years.
He played for Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009. He remained in that position until 2026 and helped build CSK into one of the most successful teams in the league’s history.
During Chennai’s suspension from the IPL in 2016 and 2017, Fleming coached Rising Pune Super Giants. He has also worked with CSK’s sister franchises, Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
Fleming also has strong links with English cricket from his playing days. He captained Nottinghamshire to a County Championship title and also represented Yorkshire during his county career.
His coaching experience in England includes leading Southern Brave to the knockout stage of the Men’s Hundred in both 2023 and 2024.
Once his appointment is confirmed, Fleming will become England’s fifth overseas Test head coach. He will join a list that includes Duncan Fletcher (1997-2000), Andy Flower (2009-2014), Trevor Bayliss (2015-2019) and Brendon McCullum (2022-2026).