Stephen Fleming bags new coaching role after CSK sacking [Source: AFP]In a bombshell report, former New Zealand cricketer and CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has emerged as the leading candidate to become England's next Test coach, thus replacing departing Brendon McCullum.McCullum, who held the role first back in 2022, was sacked earlier this year following England’s poor performances in red-ball cricket. He was removed just after Test captain Ben Stokes retired from international cricket.Stephen Fleming to succeed Brendon McCullumMeanwhile, according to the Telegraph, the ECB have zeroed in on their options to replace Brendon McCullum at the earliest. Stephen Fleming, who coached CSK in the IPL for more than a decade, has reportedly been finalised to become England’s next Test coach.Fleming reportedly went through the interview process, and the ECB is close to finalising his appointment, meaning an imminent announcement could be just around the corner.The report also mentions that Fleming beat several high-profile candidates, including Richard Dawson, Jonathan Trott and Tom Moody. It’s important to note that Andy Flower withdrew because of his franchise commitments. Another candidate, Justin Langer, confirmed he was never contacted by the ECB. This means that Stephen Fleming is all set to become the next Test coach for England, and he is expected to have a say in the appointment of England’s upcoming Test captain. Also Read: Australia Preparing For Ben Stokes’ Retirement Reversal In AshesFleming was recently sacked by CSKInterestingly, Stephen Fleming is open to this role because he recently parted ways with five-time IPL champions CSK after a tenure of 18 years. Under his leadership, the team won 5 titles, the joint most in the history of the tournament.However, for a couple of seasons, CSK saw a steep downfall where they missed the playoffs and also finished at the bottom of the table in one season. Hence, pressure was building, and the management wanted a fresh change of guard.Also, Fleming makes sense for England because he played with Brendon McCullum while representing New Zealand. The duo shares good camaraderie, which could help them work in harmony.Notably, McCullum is still the head coach of England’s white-ball teams. Hence, because of that relationship, the ECB believes they can work together despite coaching different formats. When will Fleming take over as England’s head coach?Having said that, if England do appoint Stephen Fleming as next Test coach, his first assignment could be delayed. According to reports, Fleming is unlikely to take charge as coach anytime soon.England is scheduled to play a three-Test home series against Pakistan in just a few weeks, and assistant coach Marcus Trescothick could oversee that series on an interim basis. Realistically, Stephen Fleming is more likely to officially begin with England's tour of South Africa in December. Regardless, he may not be in charge for the Pakistan series, but he is expected to take over before the South Africa tour and begin preparing England for the next Ashes campaign.Also Read - Litton Das Appointed Bangladesh Captain Before 2027 World Cup
