Stephen Fleming has emerged as a contender to become England’s next Test Head Coach following the end of his long association with Chennai Super Kings, with the England and Wales Cricket Board considering the former New Zealand Captain as part of its search for Brendon McCullum’s successor, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
England’s coaching search comes after McCullum’s departure following the team’s home Test series defeat to New Zealand, with the ECB also working to appoint a new Test captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket.
Global search gathers pace
The shortlist reflects the ECB’s intention to cast a wide net as it looks for a long-term appointment capable of rebuilding the Test side ahead of next year’s Ashes.
Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive, told BBC Sport, “In truth, this position is probably one where the shortlist is no more than six to 10 names globally of a diverse nature.”
Alongside Fleming, the candidates include former England Head Coach Andy Flower, former Australia Head Coach Justin Langer, current Pakistan white-ball Head Coach Mike Hesson, Kumar Sangakkara, Tom Moody, Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson and Adi Birrell.
Fleming back in contention
Fleming’s inclusion comes only days after he concluded an 18-year spell with Chennai Super Kings, where he oversaw one of the most successful coaching tenures in franchise cricket, leading the side to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns.
The 53-year-old has never coached an international team and previously declined England’s approach before McCullum’s appointment in 2022 because of his long-standing commitments with Chennai Super Kings. His departure from the IPL franchise has now reignited the ECB’s interest.
Experienced coaches dominate the shortlist
The list is dominated by coaches with extensive franchise cricket backgrounds as well as international experience.
Flower, who coached England between 2009 and 2014, is regarded as one of the leading contenders, although he is understood to be undecided about returning to the demands of full-time international coaching.
Langer has also re-emerged as a candidate after previously distancing himself from the role, while Hesson has attracted attention despite his ongoing responsibilities with Pakistan’s white-ball teams.
Former Afghanistan Head Coach Jonathan Trott and Glamorgan coach Richard Dawson are the two English candidates on the shortlist, while former Ireland Head Coach Adi Birrell is also under consideration.
Decision expected before Pakistan series
The ECB is aiming to appoint a new Test Head Coach before England begin their three-match home series against Pakistan on August 19, although the board is prepared to extend the process if necessary to secure its preferred long-term candidate ahead of next year’s Ashes.
Former India Head Coach Rahul Dravid and England Lions Head Coach Andrew Flintoff are not among the final candidates under consideration as the ECB continues its search for McCullum’s successor.
