Five-time IPL winning coach to replace Brendon McCullum as new England Test coach; Know here
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The ECB sacked Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach on July 12, 2026.
The England Test team is going through a transition period, where the cricket board has to decide the new captain and coach of the game. The combo of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum has now become history.
Stokes announced his international retirement after the third Test against New Zealand at the end of the home summer, while the ECB sacked McCullum on July 12, 2026, after inconsistent performance in the longest format.
Though McCullum is still associated with the white-ball setup until the Cricket World Cup 2027, as per his contract. England, who are placed seventh on the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, will host Pakistan for three tests starting on August 19.
With Harry Brook leading in ODIs and T20Is, the ECB are not left with many options, and Joe Root is likely to lead the Test side. Speaking of the coaching role, we might see an IPL-winning coach to take the role for the England test side.
Stephen Fleming likely to become new England Test coach
Stephen Fleming is all set to become the new head coach for England in tests. Fleming, who comes with loads of coaching experience, recently parted ways with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Under his coaching, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League titles. As reported by The Telegraph, Fleming is the front-runner for the position, and the official announcement will be made soon.
Notably, the ECB conducted interviews with various candidates to replace McCullum. The ECB is likely to announce the new head coach before the start of the upcoming test series against Pakistan.
England have a disastrous last couple of years. The Three Lions are looking to improve their stats in the ongoing WTC cycle and also prepare for the Ashes next year
Though Fleming has not worked as a head coach with an international team, but his CV as a head coach at the franchise level is a celebrated one. He spent 18 years with CSK and was also associated with other franchise teams like Texas Super Kings (MLC), Joburg Super Kings (SA20), Melbourne Stars (BBL), and Southern Brave (The Hundred).
He has worked with some of the biggest names in the cricket world, which will come handy for England. But it is uncertain whether Fleming can join the England test team before the first test against Pakistan, if signed by the ECB.
Who is the head coach for the England cricket team in Test cricket?
Stephen Fleming is likely to become the new Test coach for England.
Who is the head coach for the England cricket team in white-ball cricket?
Brendon McCullum has been sacked from the head coach role in Tests, but he is still with England in ODIs and T20Is.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.