Stephen Fleming: England to appoint former New Zealand captain as Test coach

Fleming will inherit a side that has seen its pace slow down after an impressive start to the McCullum era.

McCullum won 10 of 12 Tests in his first year but since then England have lost 18 and won 17 of 37 Tests.

They have not won a multi-match series since December 2024.

It is unclear whether Fleming will lead England in the three-Test series against Pakistan at Headingley on August 19 or wait until the December tour of South Africa.

Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and former head coach Joe Root, who led the team in Stoke’s absence in the second Test against New Zealand, are likely to fill the roles of head coach and captain respectively. Temporarily., External

Harry Brook is the current England vice-captain and has “100%” Stokes’ backing to succeed him.

However, it was the 27-year-old who led the white-ball sides. He was overlooked for the role earlier in the summer.

His involvement in a nightclub incident last summer, when he was assaulted by a bouncer on the eve of a one-day international tournament, contributed to the decision.

Apart from Ababa, former Australian head coach Justin Langer is expected to be a top contender for the England role.

However, on a recent Stick to Cricket podcast, Langer said he had not been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Former England captain Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty and Australians Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann and Ryan Campbell are among those linked with the roles.

The decision to remove McCullum came after the ECB hierarchy spent time considering the situation around the men’s team, which was followed by a 4-1 Ashes hammering by Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand, with Stokes announcing his retirement during the third Test.

Former England and Kent batsman Kay has been backed to retain the position following the Ashes and New Zealand defeats. A key and headhunting company has interviewed potential candidates.