Last Updated on 30 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially announced Stephen Fleming as the new head coach their men’s Test team in a surprise move with Joe Root returning as Test captain after stepping down from the role in 2022.
The former New Zealand skipper has signed a four year contract with the ECB which will see him in charge until the end of September 2030. Fleming recently parted ways with Chennai Super Kings after 18 years, which perked England’s interest.
Fleming is well acquainted with English cricket. He played county cricket for Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. He also led Nottinghamshire to the County Championship crown in 2005. He then coached Southern Brave in The Hundred recently.
His appointment also brings together two close cricketing minds with Fleming having a strong relationship with England’s white ball coach Brendon McCullum. The pair have been together for a number of years and have business interests outside of the game.
However Fleming will not assume command in the three-match series against Pakistan, which begins at Headingley on August 19. Interim Test coach Marcus Trescothick will guide England for the time being.
The 53-year-old has now moved on to spend time with his family after ending his successful spell with the Chennai Super Kings. He is due to arrive in England later this summer and will officially take up his role before England’s Test tour of South Africa, beginning in December.
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Stephen Fleming: Very Excited to Join England Test Team as a Coach
Stephen Fleming said, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach. 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 always developing, and helping Harry continue to grow his extraordinary talent and 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.”
Joe Root on His Return as a Test Captain
Joe Root, said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England Men’s Test captain again. The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with [Brendon] 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.”
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