Eric Simons, James Foster leave CSK to join England’s Test coaching support staff

File photo | Eric Simons came on board at CSK in 2018 and has been with Fleming through the franchise’s successful title-winning campaigns.  | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library

Chennai Super Kings’ coaching exodus is complete with former bowling coach Eric Simons and fielding coach James Foster leaving the Indian Premier League franchise to join England’s Test team’s backroom staff.

They have followed Stephen Fleming’s move from CSK to the English side as the men’s red ball head coach.

Their appointments have been confirmed by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement on Monday.

Fleming stepped down from his CSK role, bringing an end to an 18-year association with the five-time IPL champion.

Fleming and his New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum have split coaching duties for the England men’s Test team and white ball sides respectively.

Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum have confirmed their staff 🏏 Full story here: https://t.co/cjLf7uN7Aj https://t.co/4GQLHd36CF

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 12, 2026

South Africa international Simons boasts of a stacked resume and served as South Africa’s head coach between 2002 and 2004 and also worked as a bowling consultant with the Indian men’s team. He came on board at CSK in 2018 and has been with Fleming through the franchise’s successful title-winning campaigns.

Englishman Foster previously supported England between 2018 and 2022 as a white-ball consultant. He has also worked with the Black Caps besides being a strong presence in the global franchise circuit,.

England’s Test backroom will also include Marcua Trescothick and Richard Dawson, who has come on board as the national spin bowling lead.

Fleming and Co.’s tenure begins with England’s upcoming Test tour of South Africa. The Super Kings meanwhile have appointed Zaheer Khan as their head coach with Mohit Sharma taking over as bowling coach.