Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England's new Test head coach, with Joe Root returning as captain. The former New Zealand skipper replaces compatriot Brendon McCullum, who was sacked by the ECB earlier this month but remains in charge of white-ball teams. Root takes over from Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Fleming's credentials
Fleming, a former Nottinghamshire opener, recently stepped down as head coach of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He also coached Joburg Super Kings in South Africa and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket. "I'm incredibly excited to be joining England as Test coach," said Fleming. "It's one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed."
Root's return to captaincy
Root previously captained England from 2017 to 2022, stepping down after a nine-match winless run. He briefly returned as captain for the fourth Test against New Zealand after Stokes's retirement. The decision to choose Root over vice-captain Harry Brook was made after consideration. Root will lead England against Pakistan in a three-Test series starting at Headingley next month, with Marcus Trescothick as interim head coach for that series before Fleming officially takes over.
Fleming added: "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."
