Stephen Fleming has been confirmed as the new coach of the England men’s Test team, with returning for a second spell as captain. Marcus Trescothick will take interim charge for the three-game series against Pakistan which starts at Headingley in three weeks, with Fleming due to arrive in the country “later this summer” and assume the reins for this winter’s trip to South Africa.
Following what the England and Wales Board described as “a rigorous process, which involved numerous high-quality candidates”, Fleming emerged as a unanimous choice. Rob Key, the managing director of men’s cricket, who led the recruitment process, said England were “very fortunate that someone of his calibre is willing to take on the challenge”, adding:
“I believe he is the best person to guide a team stacked full of potential and turn that talent into a world-class outfit that can not only achieve success but sustain it.”
He replaces his friend and former international teammate Brendon McCullum, who was after England’s poor performance in the Ashes was followed by a series defeat at home to New Zealand. The pair will work alongside each other, with McCullum remaining in charge of the white-ball sides, and the decision to appoint Root as captain allows McCullum’s burgeoning partnership with Harry Brook, who captains England in limited overs cricket, to continue.
Fleming captained New Zealand in 80 Tests, more than any other player from that nation, winning 28 and losing 27. Root has already captained England in 65, the most of any Englishman, winning 27 and losing 27. The 35-year-old stood down from the role in 2022 saying that
“it’s hit home how much of a toll it has taken on me and the impact it has had on me away from the game”, but enjoyed returning for one of the three Tests against New Zealand and has now agreed to resume the burden on a permanent basis.
Root said:
“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be Test captain again, The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Baz McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward. The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen is also a huge motivator. He has proved over a long period of time that he is an exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game, and I am looking forward to working with him and helping to build a winning environment.”
The ECB described Fleming as
“one of the most highly-regarded coaches in world cricket”but his experience has largely been in the white-ball game, with the Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings and its subsidiaries.
Fleming said:
“It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed. I am looking forward to working with the players and bedding in the gains made by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Of course, the ambition is always to win now. But equally, it’s about ensuring the team is well placed for the medium and long-term future. There is a lot of young talent in and around the team and our aim is to help them fulfil their potential as world-class cricketers.
“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as captain, a generational talent who has achieved so much already. There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint. I’m also excited to work with Harry Brook. The best players are never finished products, and helping Harry continue to develop his extraordinary talent and his leadership will be an important part of this journey.
“I know what it feels like to have the weight of leadership and international cricket take their toll, and when that happened to me, my love for the game was rekindled by going to Notts and winning the County Championship. English cricket gave that to me and it is a privilege to have this chance to give something back.”
What changes take effect immediately?
Marcus Trescothick will take interim charge for England’s three-Test series against Pakistan, with the first match starting at Headingley in three weeks. Fleming is set to arrive in the country later this summer and will take over formally for England’s winter tour of South Africa.
Why was Fleming appointed?
The England and Wales Board said the process was rigorous and included numerous high-quality candidates, with Fleming emerging as the unanimous choice. Rob Key said England were fortunate to secure someone of Fleming’s calibre and believes he can turn a team full of potential into a world-class outfit capable of sustained success.
What does this mean for Joe Root and Harry Brook?
The decision to appoint Root as captain means McCullum’s growing partnership with Harry Brook, who leads England in limited overs cricket, can continue. Fleming also said he is excited to work with Root as a generational talent and with Brook as a player whose extraordinary ability and leadership can still develop further.
What is Fleming’s coaching background?
Although the ECB described him as one of the most highly-regarded coaches in world cricket, Fleming’s main coaching experience has come in white-ball cricket, particularly with Chennai Super Kings and its subsidiaries in the Indian Premier League.
Key Facts
- Stephen Fleming has been confirmed as England men’s Test coach.
- Marcus Trescothick will coach England for the Pakistan Tests on an interim basis.
- Fleming will take charge for the winter tour of South Africa.
- Joe Root will return as England Test captain for a second spell.
- Root has captained England in 65 Tests, winning 27 and losing 27.
