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Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has extended his full support behind Stephen Fleming as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) moves closer to appointing a new Test head coach. Josh Hazlewood, who has worked with Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), believes that the New Zealand great has the experience and leadership skills to guide England's Test team.
England is searching for a new Test coach after sacking Brendon McCullum following a disappointing run in Test cricket. After interviewing several candidates, Fleming has emerged as the leading candidate to replace McCullum as England’s Test head coach. Amid this, CSK reject Mumbai Indians' Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis swap for Hardik Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood backs Stephen Fleming for England's Test head coach role
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood strongly believes Stephen Fleming is the ideal man to become England’s head coach in Tests. Having worked with Stephen Fleming at Chennai Super Kings for two IPL seasons, Hazlewood has seen his coaching style from close quarters.
So, he believes that the experienced coach has the leadership qualities needed to succeed at the highest level. The Australian fast bowler believes that the former CSK head coach brings calmness while still keeping complete control of the team whenever the situation demands.
Hazlewood added that Fleming knows exactly when to allow players enough freedom to make their decisions and when to step in with clear direction, making him an ideal leader for any dressing room.
Josh Hazlewood was quoted as saying by CODE SPORTS: “I definitely rated him as a coach... He was very confident and relaxed. He let things run themselves but stepped in when required. He had a real authority about him.”
Josh Hazlewood eyes Test comeback, wants to play alongside Scott Boland
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood is eager to return to Australia's Test team for the upcoming series against Bangladesh in Darwin after spending more than a year on the sidelines due to hamstring and calf injuries. The experienced fast bowler has not played a Test since July 2025.
Hazlewood hopes to share the field with Scott Boland instead of competing against him for a place in the playing XI. However, with Nathan Lyon expected to return as Australia's frontline spinner for the Darwin Test, one of Hazlewood or Boland may have to sit out.
Still, Hazlewood believes both pacers will get enough opportunities together as Australia is set to play at least 21 Test matches this season.
Hazlewood said, “I'd love to play more with Scotty. We're obviously a little bit similar, but I think there are still a lot of differences in our bowling. Every time he's come in, he's done unbelievably well. His career just keeps getting better and better the older he gets.”
CSK exit opens England's Test coaching door for Stephen Fleming
On the other hand, several names were considered during the interview process, but Fleming emerged as the favourite. Earlier, Andy Flower decided not to enter the race, while Justin Langer revealed that he was never contacted by the ECB regarding the position.
Fleming became available for an international job after ending his 17-year stint as CSK head coach. His departure from the IPL franchise cleared the way for him to take up a full-time international coaching role. His success with CSK has earned him a reputation as one of the smartest coaches.
