Fleming would inherit a team that saw its momentum falter after an impressive start to the McCullum era.

McCullum won 10 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-game series since December 2024.

It is unclear whether Fleming would be in a position to lead England in the three-Test series against Pakistan, which begins at Headingley on August 19, or wait until December’s tour of South Africa.

Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick and former captain Joe Root, who led the team in Stokes’ absence in the second Test against New Zealand, could fill the roles of head coach and captain respectively on an interim basis., external

Harry Brook is the current England vice-captain and received “100%” backing from Stokes to become his successor.

However, the 27-year-old, who leads white-ball teams, was overlooked for the job earlier in the summer.

His involvement in a nightclub incident last winter, when he was punched by a bouncer on the eve of a one-day international, was a contributing factor to that decision.

As well as Flower, former Australian coach Justin Langer was also expected to be a leading contender for the England job.

However, in a recent appearance on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Langer said he had not been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Former England batsman Jonathan Trott, Richard Dawson, Gareth Batty and Australians Tom Moody, Darren Lehmann and Ryan Campbell were among the other names linked with the role.

The decision to remove McCullum came after the ECB hierarchy spent time reflecting on the situation surrounding the men’s team, with the 4-1 Ashes hammering in Australia followed by a 2-1 home defeat to New Zealand, including Stokes announcing his retirement during play in the third Test.

Key, a former England and Kent batsman, was backed to retain his position following the Ashes and defeat to New Zealand. Key and a talent search firm conducted interviews with potential candidates.