Last Updated: October 12, 2026 08:23 PM
A fresh coaching move could soon reshape England’s Test team. Reports have already started to spread among cricket fans across the world.
The news that England appoints former CSK star Eric Simons comes from a BBC report. Simons would become the new Test bowling coach of the England team.
The ECB had not made an official announcement at that time. It was expected to confirm the news on Monday with new central contracts.
Why Fleming And Simons Fit Together
Stephen Fleming became England’s Test head coach on July 30, 2026. He is a former New Zealand captain and longtime CSK head coach. He will replace Brendon McCullum in the role of head coach.
Simons worked with Fleming at CSK for about seven years. He served there as both the bowling coach and a consultant. This strong bond could help build the new coaching structure for England.
CSK confirmed Zaheer Khan as head coach ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise also named Mohit Sharma as its new bowling coach. Simons’ exit from the franchise created a clear chance for the ECB.
So England appoints former CSK star Simons to its Test setup, reports say.
England’s Test Setup Right Now
Marcus Trescothick served as interim coach during the home series against Pakistan. Joe Root’s England whitewashed Babar Azam’s Pakistan in that series. Trescothick’s long-term role in the coaching setup remains unconfirmed for now.
Fleming is expected to take charge before the Test series against South Africa. Simons is also expected to join the squad before that important series. That series matters a lot in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
The move also suggests a clearer split between red-ball and white-ball cricket.
Eric Simons’ Playing Career
Simons is a 64-year-old former South African all-rounder with international experience. He played 23 ODIs between February 1994 and February 1995. He scored 217 runs and took 33 wickets in those ODI matches.
His best figures were 4/42 against Pakistan in Cape Town. His long cricket experience adds weight to the Test bowling coach role. The ECB had not confirmed this appointment at the time of writing.
Fans will wait for the ECB to confirm that England appoints former CSK star Simons.
