England are preparing for another change behind the scenes as Stephen Fleming builds his coaching staff ahead of his first Test series in charge. The former New Zealand captain will lead the red-ball side against South Africa in December, with the team set to welcome an experienced bowling coach.
The appointment is expected to be confirmed on Monday alongside England’s latest round of central contracts. The move is part of a wider restructuring of the coaching set-up, with Brendon McCullum continuing to oversee the white-ball teams.
Experienced bowling coach joins England
Eric Simons is set to join England as their Test bowling coach, bringing years of international and franchise cricket experience to the role. The 64-year-old is a long-time associate of Fleming, having worked with him at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. The pair have also worked together at Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
Simons previously served as South Africa’s head coach from 2002 to 2004 and later worked as India’s bowling coach. He represented South Africa in 23 one-day internationals in 1994 and 1995. His appointment will give Fleming an experienced member of staff as England prepare for the next phase of their Test programme.
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England continue to reshape coaching staff
England have used several fast-bowling consultants in recent years, including James Anderson, David Saker and Tim Southee, during McCullum’s time as Test head coach. Saker is set to work with the team during the ongoing one-day tri-series in Pakistan, alongside Jeetan Patel, Mike Yardy and Carl Hopkinson.
Kevin Pietersen has also been appointed as a batting consultant for the white-ball teams ahead of the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. He is expected to join the squad for the tours of Australia and South Africa, while Marcus Trescothick’s future with the Test side remains unclear after his interim spell in charge against Pakistan.
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