England have appointed Stephen Fleming as Men's Test coach whilst also announcing that Joe Root will return as captain.
New Zealander, Fleming, replaces fellow countryman Brendon McCullum as red-ball coach after ending a 17-year association with IPL side Chennai Super Kings.
McCullum was dismissed -- although he still presides over the white-ball setup -- after a string of poor performances, including defeat to Australia in the Ashes and home defeat to New Zealand.
England, who were also left without a captain following the retirement of Ben Stokes, have re-appointed Root; four years after he gave up the job.
Root resigned from his position as captain in 2022 with his side having won just once in 17 Test matches.
The ECB confirmed in a statement that Fleming will take charge after the upcoming three-match series with Pakistan, but Root will commence work as captain straight away.
Fleming will be allowed to spend time with his family in New Zealand before taking over for this winter's tour of South Africa.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach. It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed," Fleming said in a statement released on Thursday morning.
"I am looking forward to working with the players and bedding in the gains made by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Of course, the ambition is always to win now. But equally, it’s about ensuring the team is well placed for the medium and long-term future.
“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as Captain - a generational talent who has achieved so much already. There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint."
England begin their three-match skirmish with Pakistan on 19th August at Headingley where they aim to get back on track after losing out to New Zealand earlier in the summer.
They will then play three more Tests over Christmas in South Africa, all building up to the 2027 Ashes series where England & Fleming will aim to win back the urn on home soil against Australia.
The Australians ran out 4-1 winners during the last series but England are 10/11 favourites to turn it around next year.
