Stephen Fleming leading contender to become England's new Test head coach: Report

Stephen Fleming recently parted ways with CSK, ending his 18-year association with the IPL franchise.

Stephen Fleming is set to be appointed as England's new Test head coach. He has emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum, who recently stepped down after a disappointing string of red-ball results.

According to The Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) held comprehensive interviews led by managing director Rob Key.

Fleming reportedly outperformed other notable candidates, including former England batter Jonathan Trott and Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson.

While McCullum left the Test side, he remains in charge of England's white-ball teams. The ECB anticipates smooth coordination between the units because Fleming was McCullum’s former international captain and longtime career mentor.

The appointment closely follows Fleming ending his iconic 17-year tenure as the head coach of the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he won five championship titles.

Since negotiations are finalizing close to the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan, Joe Root is expected to serve as interim captain and assistant coach Marcus Trescothick may step in temporarily.

Fleming is slated to officially take full charge during England's winter tour of South Africa. One of his first monumental tasks will be naming a permanent Test captain following Ben Stokes' shock retirement from international cricket.