Last Updated on 15 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
England’s new men’s Test coach Stephen Fleming says there needs to be an identity shift for the team to realise its true potential.
Fleming takes over from Brendon McCullum after the latter was sacked following a poor run of form. The 2-1 series loss against New Zealand in June this year marked seven defeats in the last nine Tests under McCullum, bringing an end to a four-year stint comprising of some good moments, but little in the way of consistency and substance.
Speaking at Old Trafford on Saturday before England’s final T20I against Sri Lanka, Fleming said his aspiration is taking the Test side back to number one in the world, while instilling a greater focus around the World Test Championship (WTC).
Stephen Fleming: Why would England not try and win the World Test Championship?
England have not come close to reaching a WTC Final in three completed cycles to date. They are also all-but-out of the running to reach the 2027 final as they currently sit sixth with a win percentage of 38.54.
Former captain Ben Stokes has not spoken positively of the WTC in the past. In 2024, he admitted he finds the format “utterly confusing” and that he doesn’t pay attention to the rankings. He was also very critical of the over rate penalties on multiple occasions.
Fleming wants a change in attitude.
“It’s high [on the agenda], it’s aspirational,” Fleming said of the WTC, as quoted by Cricinfo. “England could do much better than that. And even attitude just around the over rate, I think, comes down to identity and style of play.”
England’s poor finishes in WTC cycles has come down to a lack of focus. Fleming wants his team to treat it as a marquee event that England should try to win.
“If that’s one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket – why would we not be trying to get it along with every other marquee event that comes our way?” Fleming said.
“Now, I don’t say that lightly, there’s a lot of hard work to do and players must be balanced around that… But it’s aspirational and that’s why I’m here. That opportunity is real, but there’s a huge amount of work to do.”
Fleming also mentioned that he wants to lead the number one Test team in the world. England have not reached the summit 2011/12, and are currently fifth as of September 2026.
To get there, England will not only have to play good cricket, but also represent the team well. Off-field indiscretions have dominated headlines in recent months, and Fleming would like to see a change.
“I would love to be in charge of the No.1 Test team in the world. That would be my aspiration,” Fleming said.
“The way players represent England and the group is going to be really important to me. The style of play will come with that also. That will be more player-directed but I feel very strongly about finding a sense of belonging within the group and that will take a bit of time.
“I have started the process. I have been in a lot of contact with Joe and on this trip as well we have done some things to start this piece of work. Not only will we be in the best position to win cricket matches but also to represent the England cricket team in its best form.”
Fleming’s first assignment as Test coach will be four Tests away in South Africa, starting December 17 in Johannesburg.
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