Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has given his full support to 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 in Chennai Super Kings (CSK), believes that the New Zealand great has the experience and leadership skills to guide the England Test team.
England are looking for a new Test coach after sacking Brendon McCullum following a disappointing performance in Test cricket. After interviewing several candidates, Fleming has emerged as the leading candidate to replace McCullum as England’s Test head coach. Meanwhile, CSK discarded Ayush Mhatre from Mumbai Indians, swapping Dewald Brevis for Hardik Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood backs Stephen Fleming for England Test head coach role
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood 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 observed his coaching style closely.
Therefore, he believes that experienced coaches have the leadership qualities necessary to succeed at the highest level. The Australian fast bowler believes that the former CSK head coach brings calmness while keeping complete control over the team whenever the situation demands.
Hazlewood said that Fleming knows exactly when to give players enough freedom to make their own decisions and when to step in with clear direction, making him an ideal leader for any dressing room.
Josh Hazlewood was quoted by Code Sports as saying: “I definitely rated him as a coach… He was very confident and relaxed. He let things run their course but stepped in when necessary. He had a real authority about him.”
Josh Hazlewood eyes Test comeback, wants to play with Scott Boland
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood is eager to return to Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh in Darwin after being sidelined for over a year due to hamstring and calf injuries. The experienced fast bowler has not played any Test since July 2025.
Hazlewood hopes to share the field with Scott Boland rather than compete with him for a place in the playing eleven. However, with Nathan Lyon expected to return as Australia’s frontline spinner for the Darwin Test, either Hazlewood or Boland may have to sit out.
Nevertheless, Hazlewood believes both fast bowlers will get ample chances together as Australia are set to play at least 21 Test matches this season.
Hazlewood said, “I would love to play more with Scotty. We are obviously similar to a certain extent, but I think there are still a lot of differences in our bowling. Whenever he has come on, he has done incredibly well. As he gets older, his career only gets better.”
CSK’s exit opens the door to England’s Test coaching for Stephen Fleming
On the other hand, several names were considered during the interview process, but Fleming emerged as the favourite. Earlier, Andy Flower had decided not to join the race, while Justin Langer revealed that he was never approached by the ECB regarding the position.
Fleming became available for the international job after ending his 17-year tenure 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.
