Fleming would inherit a side that 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. 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 (ECB). Former England and Kent batter Key was backed to retain his position following the Ashes and defeat by New Zealand.