The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed the appointment of former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of England’s men’s Test team. The announcement also marks the return of Joe Root as Test captain, bringing together one of the game’s most respected coaches and England’s most successful skipper in the longest format.

Fleming takes over from his former New Zealand teammate Brendan McCullum, who has stepped down from the Test coaching role but will continue to oversee England’s white-ball teams.

Fleming arrives after successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings

Fleming joins England after ending an 18-year association with Chennai Super Kings, where he guided the franchise to five Indian Premier League titles. His coaching career has also included roles with Southern Brave in The Hundred, CSK’s affiliated teams in South Africa and the United States, and Australia’s Melbourne Stars.

As a player, Fleming captained New Zealand in 80 Test matches, the most by any Kiwi skipper, and recorded 28 victories, making him the country’s most successful Test captain. Across his international career, he featured in 111 Tests. He also enjoyed a productive county career with Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, leading Nottinghamshire to a County Championship triumph in 2005 that ended a lengthy title drought.

Announcing the appointment, the ECB said,“Fleming is one of the most highly regarded coaches in world cricket following an 18-year association with Chennai Super Kings, and a playing career that led him to be New Zealand’s most successful Test captain in a career spanning 111 matches.”

Joe Root back as England Test captain

Alongside Fleming’s appointment, Joe Root has been reinstated as England’s Test captain. Root already holds England’s records for captaining the side in the most Test matches and registering the highest number of victories as skipper.

He first led England between 2017 and 2022 before briefly returning as interim captain during the Rothesay Test Series against New Zealand at The Kia Oval earlier this summer.

Explaining the selection, the ECB said, “Joe Root returns as men’s Test captain to work alongside Fleming. Root holds the record for captaining England Men in the most Test matches (65 Tests) as well as to the most wins (27 wins). The Yorkshireman’s first spell as Test captain was from 2017-2022, he subsequently took on the role on an interim basis at the Kia Oval during the Rothesay Test Series against New Zealand earlier this summer. Following a rigorous process, which involved numerous high-quality candidates, the ECB’s selection panel unanimously agreed on the appointment of Fleming.”

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Fleming to join after Pakistan Test series begins

Fleming will officially assume his duties after the opening of England’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Until then, Marcus Trescothick will continue as interim head coach.

The delayed start will allow Fleming to spend time with his family in New Zealand after concluding his long tenure with Chennai Super Kings. He is expected to travel to the United Kingdom later this summer before England’s Test tour of South Africa.

Stephen Fleming outlines his vision

Speaking after accepting the role, Fleming said he was honoured to lead England’s Test side and wants to build on the progress already made while preparing the team for sustained success.

“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.”

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Fleming also spoke about working closely with Root and England vice-captain Harry Brook.

“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,” he concluded.

FAQs

Why was Stephen Fleming appointed England’s Test coach?

The ECB appointed Fleming following his successful coaching career, including an 18-year stint with Chennai Super Kings.

Who is England’s new Test captain?

Joe Root has returned as England’s Test captain after previously leading the team from 2017 to 2022.