Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is set to be appointed England’s new Test head coach, according to a report by The Telegraph published on Wednesday, July 29. Fleming, who recently stepped down as head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is expected to take over from Brendon McCullum.
McCullum, who became England’s Test coach in May 2022, was removed from the role earlier this month. The Daily Mail reported that Fleming was chosen ahead of Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott during the selection process.
The 52-year-old is expected to take up the position in December 2026, when England tour South Africa for a three-Test series. Before Fleming’s tenure begins, England will face Pakistan in a three-match Test series in August-September 2026, with former opening batter Marcus Trescothick stepping in as interim head coach.
Fleming, New Zealand’s most successful Test captain, has never coached at international level but has built a strong reputation in franchise cricket. After featuring for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL’s inaugural season in 2008, he took over as the franchise’s head coach in 2009 and held the role until 2026. He also coached Rising Pune Super Giants during the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons, while CSK served a suspension. Beyond the IPL, Fleming has coached CSK’s sister franchises — Joburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC).
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He is familiar with English domestic cricket as well. During his playing days, Fleming captained Nottinghamshire to a County Championship title and also played for Yorkshire. As a coach, he led Southern Brave to the knockout stage of the Men’s Hundred in both 2023 and 2024.
Once confirmed, Fleming will become the fifth overseas coach of England’s Test team, following Duncan Fletcher (1997-2000), Andy Flower (2009-2014), Trevor Bayliss (2015-2019) and Brendon McCullum (2022-2026).