Fleming frontrunner to become England Test coach

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is the frontrunner to be appointed as England men's Test head coach.

The 53-year-old appears set to succeed compatriot Brendon McCullum, who was sacked after the 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand in June.

Fleming recently left his role as head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings, having been in charge of the T20 outfit since 2009, the year after his playing career ended.

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The task facing England's next Test head coach is to revive a side that have lost eight of their last 12 matches across a 2-2 home draw with India last summer, the 4-1 Ashes battering in Australia over the winter and the recent era-ending 2-1 reverse against New Zealand.

It remains unclear whether Fleming, if appointed, will be in charge for England's upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan - live on Sky Sports - which starts at Headingley on August 19.

Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick could serve as interim boss for the Pakistan series in the event Fleming was unable to start work immediately, with England's next Test fixtures after the end of the home summer not coming until December's tour of South Africa.

England also currently remain without a permanent Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement at the end of the New Zealand series.

Former skipper Joe Root stepped in to replace Stokes for the second Test against New Zealand and appears to be the only credible alternative to Test vice-captain and white-ball skipper Harry Brook.

After three Tests in South Africa across December and January, England meet Australia in the day-night 150th-anniversary Test in Melbourne in March ahead of next year's home Ashes series between June 18-August 2.

Fleming familiar with English cricket

Sky Sports' Adam Williams:

Former Black Caps captain Fleming was a team-mate of McCullum's during his stellar Test career in which he averaged just over 40 with the bat.

The 53-year-old stood down as Chennai Super Kings head coach in July after an 18-year association with the franchise as both a player and coach that saw him win a record five IPL titles.

Fleming is familiar with the county set-up from his time as playing for Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, who he captained to the County Championship title in 2005.

England vs Pakistan Test series schedule

All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports

• First Test (Headingley) - Wednesday August 19-Sunday August 23 (11am)
• Second Test (Lord's) - Thursday August 27-Monday August 31 (11am)
• Third Test (Edgbaston) - Wednesday September 9-Sunday September 13 (11am)

Watch the three-Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket from August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW.