Stephen Fleming: England appoint former New Zealand captain as Test coach, with Joe Root captain

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as England Test coach and Joe Root returned as captain.

Fleming, 53, has never been the head coach of a national team before but has led the Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles during his 17-year tenure as head coach.

Previous Test coach Brendon McCullum was sacked earlier this month following a string of poor results and several off-field incidents, but remains in charge of England’s white-ball sides.

Root, 35, whose first term as Test captain was between 2017 and 2022, led England to a record 27 Test wins in 65 matches.

Fleming said he was “incredibly excited” to take on the role of Test coach.

“This is one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honored to be appointed,” he added.

Fleming will not be able to take part in the Test series against Pakistan, which starts on August 19. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will be the interim head coach.

Fleming will spend time in New Zealand with his family before flying to England later this summer to begin preparations for the Test tour of South Africa in December.

Root said taking on the captaincy role alongside Fleming was a “huge motivator”.

He added: [Fleming] “He has proven over a long period of time to be an outstanding leader with great knowledge of the game, and I look forward to working with him and helping create a winning environment.”

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