Eric Simons to Join England as Test Bowling Coach Ahead of South Africa Series in December 2026

New Delhi, Oct 12: Former South African cricketer Eric Simons is set to join England as their next Test bowling coach, becoming the first confirmed addition to coach Stephen Fleming's backroom staff. Simons previously served as assistant coach and bowling consultant with the Chennai Super Kings setup.

The first assignment for the South African will be to prepare for the Test series that the Three Lions are set to play against the Proteas in December and January.

Simons, 64, brings a substantial coaching record to the role. He represented South Africa in 23 ODIs across 1994 and 1995 before transitioning into coaching. He served as South Africa's head coach from 2002 to 2004 and subsequently held the position of India's bowling coach from January 2010 to February 2012.

According to a report by BBC Sport, the appointment of Simons follows England's restructuring of their head-coaching arrangement, with Stephen Fleming taking on the responsibility for the Test side while Brendon McCullum continues in the ODI setup. Fleming's first assignment as England Test head coach is the series against South Africa scheduled for December 2026.

Other Changes in England Coaching Setup

England's white-ball coaching set-up has also undergone changes alongside the developments in the Test arena. Kevin Pietersen has joined the limited-overs teams as a batting consultant, with his appointment aimed at strengthening preparations for the 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. At the same time, Marcus Trescothick took temporary charge of the Test side during the Pakistan series, although his future role remains undecided.

David Saker continues to be involved with the national set-up and is currently working with the coaching group for England's white-ball tri-series in Pakistan. Further details about the composition of Fleming's Test coaching staff are expected when the central contracts are announced on Monday. The confirmation of Simons as bowling coach marks the first official appointment in the build-up to England's December 2026 series against South Africa.