​Stephen Fleming has held several coaching roles in T20 franchise cricket since he reitred from playing in 2009 [Getty Images]Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is expected to be appointed as England Test coach after the sacking of Brendon McCullum.McCullum was fired earlier this month following a string of poor results and several off-field incidents, but remains in charge of England’s white-ball sides.Former England coach Andy Flower subsequently ruled himself out of the running to replace McCullum.As first reported by the Telegraph, Fleming, 53, has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed his former international team-mate.If appointed, Fleming will have a say – alongside director of men’s cricket Rob Key and national selector Marcus North – in the appointment of a new Test captain, following the shock retirement of Ben Stokes from international cricket.McCullum sacked as England Test head coachFlower rules himself out as England seek Test coachHe would inherit a side which saw its momentum falter after a breathtaking start to the McCullum era. McCullum won 10 out of 12 Tests in his first year in charge but since then, England have lost 18 and won 17 of 37 Tests.They have not won a multi-match series since December 2024. It is unclear whether Fleming would be in position to lead England in the three-match series against Pakistan, which gets under way at Headingley on 19 August, or if an interim figure will take charge.In addition to Flower, former Australian head coach Justin Langer was also expected to be a top contender for the England role. However, on a recent appearance on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Langer said he had not been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board.Former England batter Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty and Australians Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann and Ryan Campbell were among the other names linked to the role.Get cricket news sent straight to your phone