Stephen Fleming: England expected to appoint former New Zealand captain as Test coach
Fleming would take over a team whose momentum had faltered after a thrilling start to the McCullum era.
McCullum won 10 of 12 Tests in his first year in charge but since then England have lost 18 and won 17 of 37 Tests.
They haven’t won a multi-game series since December 2024.
It is unclear whether Fleming will be able to lead England in the three-Test series against Pakistan, which starts at Headingley on August 19, or will wait until the tour of South Africa in December.
Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and former skipper Joe Root, who led the team in Stokes’ absence in the second Test against New Zealand, could take on the roles of head coach and captain respectively. temporarily., external
Harry Brook is currently England’s vice-captain and has received “100%” support from Stokes to become his successor.
However, the 27-year-old, who is in charge of the white-ball teams, was overlooked for the role earlier in the summer.
His involvement in a nightclub incident last winter, when he was punched by a bouncer on the eve of a one-day international, was a contributing factor to that decision.
Alongside Flower, former Australia head coach Justin Langer was also expected to be one of the top candidates for the England role.
However, appearing on the Stick to Cricket podcast recently, Langer said he had not been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Former England batsman Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty and Australians Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann and Ryan Campbell were among others linked with the role.
The decision to sack McCullum came after the ECB hierarchy spent time considering the situation surrounding the men’s team following a 4-1 Ashes drubbing in Australia followed by a 2-1 series defeat at home to New Zealand; Stokes announced his retirement during play in the third Test.
Former England and Kent batsman Key was backed to retain his position following the Ashes and New Zealand defeat. Key and a talent hunting company interviewed potential candidates.
