The ECB have appointed Stephen Fleming as the new England men’s Test head coach, while Joe Root has returned as full-time captain.
England men’s search for a new Test head coach and captain has ended. Former captain Ben Stokes announced his international retirement after the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand, while Brendon McCullum was relieved from his duties a fortnight later, leaving England without a head coach and a captain.
While McCullum continues coaching England men’s white-ball teams, Fleming will take over the Test side. Former New Zealand captain Fleming comes in with a rich coaching resume, having only recently ended an 18-year association with the Chennai Super Kings, whom he led to five IPL titles. He also led Southern Brave to the final of the 2023 The Hundred Men's competition.
Marcus Trescothick will serve as the interim head coach for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, which starts on August 19. Fleming will fly to the UK later in the summer to begin preparations for the tour to South Africa, scheduled for December.
Joe Root's second stint as full-time England Test captain
Root, meanwhile, had succeeded Alastair Cook as England’s full-time Test captain in 2017, and led the team in 65 matches, winning 27 and losing as many, while drawing 11 games. Stokes succeeded him 2022. Root also captained the side in the Oval Test against New Zealand after Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out of the squad after an alleged breach of team curfew.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach,” Fleming said upon his appointment. “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.”
“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England Men’s Test captain again,” said Root. “The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Baz McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward.
"The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen is also a huge motivator. He has proved over a long period of time that he is an exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game, and I am looking forward to working with him and helping to build a winning environment."
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