Stephen Fleming has emerged as the ECB’s preferred candidate to become England’s next Test head coach following the departure of Brendon McCullum from the role. Fleming, who recently stepped down as Chennai Super Kings head coach, has held talks with England managing director Rob Key and is currently considered the clear favourite for the position.
Stephen Fleming Emerges as ECB’s Preferred Candidate
Fleming left his position with Chennai Super Kings earlier this month, shortly after McCullum was removed as England’s Test coach. The former New Zealand captain brings extensive coaching experience to the vacancy, having guided CSK to five IPL titles and also worked with the franchise’s sister teams in the SA20 and MLC.
Fleming has also worked as a short-term consultant with New Zealand and has significant experience of English cricket. During his playing career, he had spells with Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, while later coaching Southern Brave.
Fleming and McCullum Relationship Could Shape England Setup
One of the key considerations for the ECB will be how Fleming works alongside McCullum, who remains England’s white-ball coach until the end of next year under his existing contract.
Fleming and McCullum are former New Zealand team-mates and close friends. The pair have also shared business interests, meaning their working relationship will be an important factor if Fleming takes charge of England’s Test side.
England’s Ashes Plans Central to Coaching Search
The ECB has not yet confirmed whether Fleming, if appointed, would be in charge for England’s three-Test series against Pakistan, which begins at Headingley on August 19. The board’s priority is finding the right coach to prepare the team for next summer’s Ashes against Australia.
England have specifically targeted the Ashes after last winning the series in 2015. Before that contest, they are scheduled to play 10 Tests, including three against Pakistan from August to September, three in South Africa from December to January and two in Bangladesh in February.
England will then play the 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne in March before hosting Bangladesh for one Test in May.
New England Test Captain Also on Fleming’s Agenda
If Fleming takes the job, one of his major early decisions will be helping determine England’s next Test captain. Ben Stokes backed his vice-captain Harry Brook for the position following Stokes’ retirement last month.
Brook already leads England’s white-ball teams, however, and the ECB is considering whether Joe Root could return as Test captain on an interim basis.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has also suggested that Stokes could potentially reconsider his retirement. McDonald said the prospect of Stokes returning for one more Ashes campaign would create a major storyline, while also arguing that the all-rounder still has plenty of cricket left in him.
Fleming Leads List of England Test Coach Candidates
Andy Flower had initially been regarded as a leading candidate but subsequently ruled himself out of the running. Flower said he was happy with his existing positions at Royal Challengers Bengaluru and London Spirit.
Other names linked with the vacancy have included Tom Moody, Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott. However, Fleming is understood to have moved ahead of the other candidates and is currently the clear favourite.
The ECB could still retain Dawson or Trott in other roles within the England setup. Dawson has impressed the management since becoming head coach at Glamorgan, where he is contracted until the end of the 2028 season. He has also previously worked as an assistant to former England white-ball coach Matthew Mott.
Trott, meanwhile, is available after leaving his position with Afghanistan. Justin Langer was another name associated with the vacancy, but he confirmed on Tuesday that the ECB had not contacted him.
England Test Players Currently in The Hundred
Most of England’s Test players are currently involved in The Hundred, which runs until August 16. Shoaib Bashir, Emilio Gay and Ollie Robinson are instead featuring in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
With England’s next Test series against Pakistan beginning just three days after The Hundred concludes, the timing of the coaching appointment will be closely watched. The ECB’s willingness to wait for its preferred candidate underlines the importance it places on preparing the team for the Ashes.
Source: Cricinfo
