ECB Confirms Simons and Foster for England Test Staff

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Eric Simons and James Foster as additions to the men’s Test coaching staff under head coach Stephen Fleming on October 12, completing a key part of the team’s new red-ball setup. Simons will work as bowling coach and Foster as fielding coach, the board said in its central-contract announcement. The staff’s first assignment is the England Test team’s tour of South Africa in December 2026, according to the ECB announcement. The unit also includes Marcus Trescothick and Richard Dawson, who is listed as Elite National Spin Bowling Lead. Fleming is taking charge of the Test side, while Brendon McCullum remains responsible for England’s white-ball teams. Simons and Fleming previously worked together at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Simons was the franchise’s bowling coach, and Foster served as its fielding coach in the 2026 season. Their appointments bring members of Fleming’s established coaching group into England’s Test environment. Simons has held senior coaching roles in international and franchise cricket.