Sports
England hand record 39 central contracts and split coaching setups under Fleming and McCullum
October 12, 2026 at 02:00 PM
England has awarded a record 39 men's central contracts and split coaching duties between Test head Stephen Fleming and white-ball counterpart Brendon McCullum.
- England awarded 39 central contracts, 30 full and nine development deals, the most ever, with Ben Stokes' and Mark Wood's retirements freeing budget.
- Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell signed two-year contracts to September 2028, including uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe.
- Rob Key said Brydon Carse can play for England again, depending on the Cricket Regulator's misconduct investigation outcome.
- Fleming's Test staff added Richard Dawson, James Foster and Eric Simons, while McCullum's white-ball team keeps Sarah Taylor, Jeetan Patel and Tim Southee.