England coach Fleming cleared for commentary stint on New Zealand v India
England Test head coach Stephen Fleming will commentate on New Zealand's home series against India this autumn.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has approved the role, even though Fleming has formally started work as England coach. Sky New Zealand announced him as part of its commentary team for India's tour, which runs from 22 October to 1 December The Guardian.
The tour is a full one. It comprises two Tests, the five-day format, plus five one-day internationals, at 50 overs a side, and five T20s, the shortest international format at 20 overs a side.
Fleming is expected to focus on the T20 leg for Sky, according to the broadcaster's announcement Sky New Zealand. Sky New Zealand has no connection to Sky Sports in the UK, which holds exclusive rights to England's home matches.
He is due in England this week for talks with captain Joe Root and Rob Key, the ECB's managing director of men's cricket. The meeting will be an early chance to shape plans before England's winter.
Fleming's appointment was confirmed by the ECB in late July. He succeeds Brendon McCullum as Test coach after ending a 17-year run with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League in summer 2026.
In his absence, Marcus Trescothick led England to a 3-0 win in the three-Test series against Pakistan this summer. Fleming's first assignment in charge will be a three-Test tour of South Africa in December and January.
Sky has named Ian Smith, Ravi Shastri, Fleming and Sunil Gavaskar to headline its team for the 2026/27 home summer Stuff. Smith is a familiar New Zealand voice, while Shastri and Gavaskar bring long India experience as players, coaches and broadcasters.
Fleming arrives with a strong playing and coaching record. He has won the County Championship in England, and Ben Stokes has called him a "great man" after working with him at Chennai Super Kings.
For fans, this means a strange split screen. England's head coach will be describing New Zealand, his own former team, against India just weeks before he leads England in South Africa.
