# England men’s Test cricket coaching changes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/england-mens-test-cricket-coaching-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-19T23:29:19.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has restructured its Test coaching staff, appointing former South African bowler Eric Simons as the bowling coach. Simons joins the staff under newly appointed Head Coach Stephen Fleming to bolster pace bowling capabilities ahead of a series against South Africa in December 2026.

Fleming, a New Zealander, has expressed a commitment to developing domestic coaching talent, noting that the national team should primarily be led by national representatives. While Fleming’s backroom staff includes homegrown figures such as Marcus Trescothick, James Foster, and Richard Dawson, several high-level roles in English cricket, including white-ball coach Brendon McCullum, remain held by non-nationals.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Stephen Fleming advocates for English coaching of England cricket team

New England Test coach Stephen Fleming suggests the national cricket team should be led by an English representative, pledging to prioritize the development of domestic coaching talent.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stephen-fleming-advocates-for-english-coaching-of-england-cricket-team

### 2026-10-11: Eric Simons appointed England Test bowling coach

Eric Simons has been appointed as the bowling coach for the England Test cricket team, joining Head Coach Stephen Fleming to strengthen the squad's pace attack.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eric-simons-appointed-england-test-bowling-coach

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Cite as: England men’s Test cricket coaching changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/england-mens-test-cricket-coaching-changes