England’s new Test head coach Stephen Fleming said that he is hopeful to build on the foundations laid by previous coach Brendon McCullum and earlier captain Ben Stokes while shaping the team’s next generation. He also described the role as “one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket”, adding that he was “incredibly excited” and “honoured” to take charge as well.
Stephen Fleming, who recently ended his long and successful association with Chennai Super Kings, was appointed as McCullum’s successor after England opted for a change following the end of the Stokes-McCullum era as well. Meanwhile, Joe Root has been reinstated as Test captain with Stokes retired from international cricket as well.
“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,” Fleming said. “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 applauded Joe Root, who returns once again as England’s full-time Test captain after previously leading the side in 65 matches.
“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,” he added.
He also shared a key role for Harry Brook in England’s future, stating that the all-format star’s growth as both a batter and a leader would remain a major focus as well.
“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 added.
“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,” Stephen Fleming concluded.
