Stephen Fleming to become England’s new Test head coach

Former New Zealand skipper and ex-Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming is set to become England's new Test head coach. This news was broken by English tabloid The Telegraph. The 53-year-old will replace former international teammate Brendon McCullum, who parted ways after the New Zealand Test series.

Fleming left CSK after being with the franchise for 18 years. During his time with the team as a coach, he helped them win five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies. His partnership with MS Dhoni made the side the strongest in the league with a plethora of noted players in the side. 

Ex-Kiwi legend, as per reports carried by the Telegraph, has leapfrogged over the likes of Tom Moody, Jonathon Trott, and former England spin bowler Richard Dawson. Australian batting legend and current LSG coach Justin Langer was rumoured to be in the race, but he denied being in touch with the ECB or any such talks taking place. 

Current RCB coach Andy Flower, who had already coached the side for five years, was also another contender. The 58-year-old, though, ruled himself out of the job since he didn’t want the hassles of coaching an international team again. 

One of the key concerns being raised about McCullum’s successor was whether he could work alongside the Kiwi, who is still part of the England white-ball teams. With Fleming coming into the fold, it should be easy for both the former Kiwi teammates to get along. They played plenty of international cricket together and also spent some time together in the Chennai dugout. 

What is England Cricket Team’s Test Schedule?

Once the New Zealand legend takes over, he will have his hands full with plenty of massive games lined up. His first task will be to work alongside Joe Root and try to stop the losing trend when they host Pakistan in a series which begins in a few weeks.