Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is expected to become England's new Test head coach following the dismissal of Brendon McCullum earlier this month.
McCullum was relieved of his Test duties after a series of disappointing results and off-field issues, although he remains in charge of England's white-ball teams. Former England coach Andy Flower has ruled himself out of contention, leaving Fleming as the leading candidate to take over.
If appointed, the 53-year-old will work alongside managing director Rob Key and national selector Marcus North to appoint a new Test captain following Ben Stokes' shock retirement from international cricket in June.
Fleming would inherit a side whose impressive early progress under McCullum faded in recent months. After winning 10 of his first 12 Tests in charge, England have since won just 17 of their last 37 matches and have not claimed a multi-match Test series since December 2024.
It remains unclear whether Fleming would take charge in time for England's three-Test series against Pakistan, which begins at Headingley on 19 August, or wait until the tour of South Africa in December. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and former captain Joe Root could oversee the team on an interim basis.
Current vice-captain Harry Brook remains a leading candidate to succeed Stokes permanently, although he was overlooked for the role earlier this summer.
Former Australia coach Justin Langer was also linked with the position but recently revealed he had not been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Other names reportedly considered included Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty, Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann, and Ryan Campbell.
The ECB's decision to replace McCullum followed England's disappointing Ashes defeat in Australia, a home series loss to New Zealand, and Stokes' retirement, prompting a major review of the Test team's direction.
