South African Simons to join England Test set-up

England are set to add the first name to Stephen Fleming’s backroom team, with Eric Simons joining as Test bowling coach. Eric Simons has served as South Africa head coach and worked with the India team England are set to add the first name to Stephen Fleming's backroom team, with Eric Simons joining as Test bowling coach. Former South Africa head coach Simons is a long-time ally of Fleming, having worked alongside him in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings. Simons' new role will be confirmed on Monday, when England announce the latest round of central contracts. New Zealander Fleming is assembling a backroom team for his first series in charge, against South Africa in December.

The shake-up in the staff comes as England once again split head-coaching responsibilities across formats. Fleming is in charge of the Test side and Brendon McCullum leads the white-ball teams. When McCullum was Test coach, England used a number of fast-bowling consultants, including James Anderson, David Saker and Tim Southee. Saker will be part of the England staff for the one-day tri-series in Pakistan this month, alongside long-term McCullum assistant Jeetan Patel, Mike Yardy and Carl Hopkinson. Southee and fielding coach Sarah Taylor, who have been with England throughout the home summer, might rejoin the team later in the winter. Kevin