England appoint Eric Simons to Stephen Fleming's Test coaching team
Eric Simons has been named the new Test bowling coach for the England cricket team, joining Stephen Fleming's backroom staff. The appointment is part of a broader coaching shake-up as England separates responsibilities between Test and white-ball formats.
Why it matters
The move highlights England's strategic shift in coaching leadership to improve performance across different cricket formats.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Eric Simons has served as South Africa head coach and worked with the India team
Cricket Correspondent Published 11 October 2026 England are set to add the first name to Stephen Fleming's backroom team, with Eric Simons joining as Test bowling coach.
Former South Africa head coach Simons is a long-time ally of Fleming, having worked alongside him in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings.
Simons' new role will be confirmed on Monday, when England announce the latest round of central contracts.
New Zealander Fleming is assembling a backroom team for his first series in charge, against South Africa in December.
The shake-up in the staff comes as England once again split head-coaching responsibilities across formats. Fleming is in charge of the Test side and Brendon McCullum leads the white-ball teams.
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