Stephen Fleming: Former Black Caps captain confirmed as England men’s test coach, Joe Root returns as captain

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as test coach,” Fleming said. “It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed.

“I’m 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.”

As a player, Fleming notched 111 tests for New Zealand, including 80 as captain. Those 80 tests yielded 28 victories, the most by a New Zealander.

Fleming takes charge of England at a low ebb following Stokes’ retirement, with less than a year until the 2027 Ashes series.

England currently sit seventh out of nine teams in the 2025-27 World Test Championship, with just four wins from their 13 tests played, with little hope of reaching next year’s final at The Oval.

While there were initial doubts over Fleming’s willingness to take on a job like England’s so soon after leaving Chennai, one source told the Herald he was “excited” at being able to land such a marquee role.

Crucially, Fleming’s pre-existing relationship with McCullum is understood to have been pivotal in him securing the role, with both coaches having to carefully manage resources across England’s heavy three-format programme.

While Fleming boasts no red ball coaching his experience, his record in franchise Twenty20 cricket is exceptional.

As head coach, Fleming won the IPL five times to go with two titles in the now-defunct Champions League T20, but conceded the time was right for change for himself and Chennai.

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