England’s new Test head coach Stephen Fleming is excited to lead the team and develop the team following the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era.
After England’s poor run of form, they decided to start a new chapter and appointed Fleming to replace McCullum. The former New Zealand captain, who recently parted ways with Chennai Super Kings, said he was privileged to coach one of the most coveted positions in international cricket.
I’m really thrilled to come into England as Test Coach. It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed,” Fleming said.
The 53-year-old will officially take over his job after England’s next Test series against Pakistan. Marcus Trescothick will be in charge of the team in the interim until Fleming is appointed.
Fleming said he would like to keep the good things that McCullum-Stokes brought to the team and help England build a younger team.
I am looking forward to working with the players and continuing to develop the success Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have delivered and the team is well prepared for the medium and long-term.
England have been on a poor run in Test cricket, having lost eight of their last 13 games and not won a series in 14 months. They are ranked fifth in the ICC Test rankings.
Fleming will also be closely involved with Joe Root, who has returned to England’s Test full-time captain after the retirement of Stokes from international cricket. Root was the leading captain for England in 65 Tests and the most experienced Test captain in the country.
I’m especially excited to work with Joe Root as captain, as he is a generational talent with so much accomplished. There’s still lots more to come from him, Fleming said.
The former New Zealand skipper also singled out Harry Brook as a key player for England’s future. Fleming thinks the young hitter has potential to develop his leadership in addition to his great hitting.
I’m also looking forward to working with Harry Brook, and it will be great to help him keep building his incredible talent and leadership,” he continued.
Fleming’s selection is a major change for England’s Test team, and the former international captain will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in franchise cricket to the table in his bid to restore consistency and play at the highest level.
