Stephen Fleming Named England Test Coach as Joe Root Returns as Captain

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of the men’s Test team on a four-year contract that will run until September 2030. At the same time, Joe Root has been brought back as England’s permanent Test captain, with Harry Brook continuing as vice-captain.

The major reshuffle comes after England dismissed Brendon McCullum as the red-ball coach following a poor run of Test results. Former captain Ben Stokes also stunned the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket. McCullum will continue to lead England’s white-ball teams.

Fleming takes over one of the biggest jobs in international cricket despite never having coached a national team. His coaching record in franchise cricket is among the best in the game, having guided Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles before leaving the franchise earlier this month.

The 53-year-old is also no stranger to English cricket. During his playing career, he represented Middlesex and Yorkshire before captaining Nottinghamshire to the County Championship title in 2005. More recently, he coached Southern Brave in The Hundred, giving him strong knowledge of the English cricket system.

Joe Root’s return as Test captain marks the start of a new chapter for England. Root previously led the side from 2017 to 2022 and remains one of the team’s most experienced players. Harry Brook will continue in the leadership group as vice-captain.

Fleming will not be in charge for England’s upcoming three-Test home series against Pakistan, which begins on August 19. The former New Zealand skipper will spend time with his family before officially starting the role. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the Pakistan series, with Fleming set to take charge ahead of England’s tour of South Africa in December.