England have named Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of their men’s Test team. The England and Wales Cricket Board also brought back Joe Root as Test captain.
The changes come after Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket and Brendon McCullum left the red ball coaching role. McCullum will continue as England’s white ball coach.
Fleming has signed a four year deal and will lead the Test side until 2030. The former New Zealand captain built a strong coaching record with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. This will be his first job as the head coach of a national Test team.
Fleming said he was honoured to take charge of England’s Test side.
“It is one of the most respected coaching jobs in world cricket. I am excited to work with this group and help the team continue to grow,” he said.
Root will return as England’s Test captain after stepping down from the role in 2022. He previously led England in a record 64 Tests and remains the country’s highest run scorer in the format.
Root said the chance to work with Fleming played a big part in his decision to accept the captaincy again.
England will begin a new chapter under the pair as they prepare for the upcoming home Test series against Pakistan. Marcus Trescothick will guide the side on an interim basis before Fleming officially starts his role later this year.
