Eric Simons set to join England Test set-up as bowling coach

Eric Simons is set to be appointed England's 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 are due to reveal their latest round of central contracts.

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.

As reported by BBC Sport, Simons' appointment follows England's restructuring of their head-coaching arrangement earlier this year, with Fleming taking responsibility for the Test side 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 Simons and Fleming working relationship?

The two men have built a close professional association across multiple franchise competitions. Simons and Fleming were colleagues at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, reunited at Joburg Super Kings during the SA20 league, and also worked alongside each other at Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket. That accumulated experience across three separate competitions is understood to have been a central factor in Simons being brought into the England Test environment.

The appointment also raises questions about the existing bowling support structure. Tim Southee previously held a fast-bowling consultant role with England and may return to the set-up at a later stage during the winter, suggesting the transition is gradual rather than a direct replacement. James Anderson and David Saker also served as fast-bowling consultants during McCullum's tenure across the white-ball and Test sides.

What other coaching changes are under way across England's set-up?

Alongside the developments in the Test camp, England's white-ball coaching structure has also seen recent movement. Kevin Pietersen has been brought in as batting consultant to the white-ball teams in preparation for the 50-over World Cup to be held in southern Africa. Meanwhile, Marcus Trescothick stepped in as interim Test head coach for the Pakistan series, though no decision on his longer-term involvement has been confirmed.

David Saker remains active within the England set-up, currently serving as part of the coaching staff for the white-ball tri-series being played in Pakistan this month. Monday's central contracts announcement is expected to bring further clarity on the full shape of Fleming's Test backroom team, with Simons' confirmation as bowling coach representing the first formal step ahead of the December 2026 series against South Africa.