Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is reportedly set to become England’s next Test head coach, marking a major change in the team’s red-ball setup. According to a report in The Telegraph, the legendary left-handed batter is expected to replace Brendon McCullum, who was relieved of his duties earlier this month after serving as England’s Test coach since May 2022.

A report by the Daily Mail added that Fleming emerged as the preferred candidate ahead of Richard Dawson and former England batter Jonathan Trott during the selection process. If appointed, the 53-year-old is expected to officially take charge in December 2026, when England travel to South 87Africa for a three-match Test series.

Before Fleming begins his tenure, England will tour Pakistan for a three-Test series in August-September 2026. Former England opener Marcus Trescothick is set to oversee the side as interim head coach for that assignment.

WATCH – Ajinkya Rahane Fights Back Tears During Heartfelt Farewell To Cricket

Although Fleming has never coached an international team, he brings a wealth of experience from franchise cricket. He enjoyed a long and successful association with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, first as a player in the inaugural 2008 season and later as head coach from 2009 to 2026. During his tenure, CSK established themselves as one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. Fleming also coached Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK were suspended from the tournament.

England has decided to appoint Stephen Fleming as Test Coach
– Fleming has been CSK caich for last 18 years
– Highly Successfully
– Zero controversy

But Fleming has been a white ball coach in Franchise league for last 18 years
– No experience of Coaching a test side

Still… pic.twitter.com/oS11nolTc1

— Raja (@_raja_kumar) July 30, 2026

The former New Zealand skipper has also guided Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket, further strengthening his coaching credentials across global T20 leagues.

ALSO READ: Irfan Pathan Backs Auqib Nabi, Questions India’s Selection Process

Fleming is no stranger to English cricket either. During his playing career, he captained Nottinghamshire to the County Championship title and also represented Yorkshire. More recently, he coached Southern Brave to the knockout stages of the Men’s Hundred in both 2023 and 2024.

If confirmed, Fleming will become the fifth overseas coach of England’s Test side, following Duncan Fletcher, Andy Flower, Trevor Bayliss and Brendon McCullum.