On Thursday, July 30, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) appointed Stephen Fleming as their new men’s Test head coach, with Joe Root being confirmed as Test captain. The ECB official statement revealed Fleming was unanimously agreed upon by the selection panel.
It’s important to note that Fleming’s role will only begin after England’s Test series against Pakistan. Former England batter Marcus Trescothick will serve as the interim head coach for the Pakistan series.
“Stephen Fleming is one of the most highly respected figures in cricket, and we are very fortunate that someone of his calibre is willing to take on the challenge of being the England Men’s Test Head Coach,” England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, said.
“I believe he is the best person to guide a team stacked full of potential and turn that talent into a world-class outfit that can not only achieve success but sustain it,” he added.
On the other hand, Root has been reappointed as the full-time Test captain, taking over from Ben Stokes, who announced his international retirement. Root has captained England 65 times, winning 27, losing 27 and drawing 11 games.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England Men’s Test captain again. 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,” Root was quoted by the ECB as saying.
“The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen (Fleming) 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,” he added.
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