Stephen Fleming is expected to be appointed as England's next Men's Test head coach.
According to widespread reports, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have identified Fleming as their number one candidate for the role.
He will come into replace Brendon McCullum as Test coach after he was relieved of his red-ball duties following England's disappointing series defeat at home to New Zealand.
Both Andy Flower and Justin Langer have since ruled themselves out of contention for the role since it became vacant.
There is uncertainty around when Fleming will take charge of the side, but one of his first tasks will be to appoint a new Test captain. Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket means that England are currently without a red-ball skipper, with reports suggesting that Joe Root might be in line to take charge for at least the upcoming series against Pakistan.
We take a closer look at Fleming ahead of his expected appointment to the England Test setup...
Age & Nationality
Stephen Fleming was born in Christchurch, New Zealand on 1st April 1973; making him 53 years old.
Playing Career
Fleming has a long and distinguished leadership record that extends well back into his playing days.
An extremely successful left-handed batter, Fleming is regarded as arguably New Zealand's most successful captain, leading the Black Caps out on 80 occasions in Tests - double that of Kane Williamson, who sits second on the list.
Only Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor managed more than the 111 Test caps that he received for his country and he also became the first New Zealander to pass 7,000 Test runs, bringing up the landmark feat with a brilliant knock against England.
Fleming finished his international career with a Test average north of 40, nine centuries and a high score of 274*.
Away from New Zealand, Fleming had a distinguished first-class career in both his native New Zealand and over in England. The 53-year-old captained Nottinghamshire to their first County Championship title in 18 years in 2005, as well as playing a key role in several T20 Blast campaigns throughout the mid 2000s.
Born a few years too soon to really capitalise on franchise cricket, Fleming played one season for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League in 2007/08 where his side suffered defeat in the final to Rajasthan Royals.
Coaching Career
Fleming's coaching career began where his playing career ended; appointed by Chennai Super Kings soon after his retirement.
During his first six years in charge, CSK won two IPL titles, finished runner-up twice and won a Champions League.
Fleming briefly left CSK when they received a two-year IPL ban, however, returned in 2018, leading them to yet another title and going onto add two more in 2021 & 2023.
The expansion of the Super Kings franchise saw Fleming take roles with the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 and the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
He mutually parted ways with the Super Kings on 13th July 2026, ending a 17-year long association.
