Live Update: Eric Simons will join the England Test team as bowling coach. The 64-year-old South African is expected to be confirmed as the first new addition to Stephen Fleming’s Test squad on Monday.
Eric Simons is expected to be pointed as bowling coach for the England Test team. (Photo Source: ) Eric Simons is expected to be pointed England Test bowling coach, becoming the first confirmed addition to head coach Stephen Fleming’s backroom team. The announcement is expected on Monday October 11, when England will announce their latest round of central contracts. Simons, 64, brings solid coaching experience to the position.
He represented South Africa in 23 ODIs in 1994 and 1995 before becoming a coach. He was South Africa’s head coach from 2002 to 2004 and then India’s bowling coach from January 2010 to February 2012. As BBC Sport reports, Simons’ sentiments follow the restructuring of his head coaching system in England earlier this year, with Fleming taking charge of the Test team and Brendon McCullum retaining oversight of the white-ball formats.
Fleming’s first assignment as England Test head coach is the series against South Africa scheduled for December 2026. What is the basis of the working relationship between Simons and Fleming? The two men have developed a close professional connection through several franchise competitions.
Simons and Fleming were colleagues at the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, reunited during the SA20 league at the Joburg Super Kings and also worked side by side at the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket. It is understood that this experience, gained across three different competitions, was a key factor in Simons’ integration into the England Test environment. This point also raises questions about the existing bowling support structure.
Tim Southee previously held a fast bowling advisory role with England and could return to the organization later in the winter, suggesting the transition will be gradual rather than a direct replacement. James Anderson and David Saker also acted as fast bowling advisors during McCullum’s tenure in the white-ball and Test teams. What other coaching changes are underway in the England team?
As well as developments during the Test camp, there have also been recent changes to England’s white-ball-only coaching structure. Kevin Pietersen has been recruited as batting consultant for the white-ball teams in preparation for the 50-over World Cup in Southern Africa. Meanwhile, Marcus Trescodick has stepped in as interim Test head coach for the Pakistan series, although no decision on his long-term commitment has been confirmed yet.
David Saker remains active in the England team and is currently part of the coaching team for the white-ball tri-series being played in Pakistan this month. Monday’s announcement of the central contracts is expected to provide further clarity to Fleming’s Test team, with Simons’ confirmation as bowling coach the first formal step ahead of the December 2026 series against South Africa.
