Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
Eric Simons set to become England men's Test bowling coach
Eric Simons is set to become bowling coach for England’s men’s Test team.
The 64-year-old South African has coached his country and worked with India, as well as in several domestic T20 leagues.
He has also worked with Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings, and Fleming is now in charge of England’s Test side.
England has split its coaching roles, with Brendon McCullum leading the white-ball teams.
Simons is set to take over from Tim Southee in the Test bowling role, while the England and Wales Cricket Board plans other staff changes.
His role is due to be confirmed when England announces its latest central contracts, ahead of a three-Test series in South Africa starting in December.
Eric Simons is set to become England's men's Test bowling coach, joining Stephen Fleming's backroom staff.
The 64-year-old South African is a former head coach of his national team and has worked as a bowling coach for India.
Simons previously worked with Fleming at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
He will take over bowling duties from New Zealander Tim Southee, while Troy Cooley's role across England's performance programme will remain unchanged.
England are due to begin a three-Test series in South Africa on December 17.
- Who
- Eric Simons, a former South Africa head coach.
- What
- He is set to become England men's Test bowling coach.
- When
- The appointment was expected to be confirmed on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- In England's Test set-up.
- Why
- To join Stephen Fleming's backroom team as Fleming takes charge of the Test side.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
the best bowling coach I ever worked with
I probably learned more in two months with him than I did in 10 years before that.
Simons coached South Africa for two years.
Simons worked with Ben Stokes at the Rising Pune Supergiant IPL franchise.
England was expected to confirm Simons's new role.
England are due to begin a three-Test series against South Africa at Centurion.
- Age
- 64
- Role
- England men's Test bowling coach
- Previous national team role
- South Africa head coach from 2002 to 2004
- International playing record
- 23 one-day internationals for South Africa
- First series
- Three Tests against South Africa, starting at Centurion on December 17
Sources
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