Fleming appointed England's Test head coach; Root returns as captain

England have appointed Stephen Fleming as their new men’s Test head coach, with Joe Root being confirmed as Test captain. As per an ECB statement, Fleming was unanimously agreed upon by the selection panel, beating several high-profile candidates to the job.

Fleming’s tenure will only begin after England’s Test series against Pakistan. In the interim, Marcus Trescothick will serve as head coach.

The former New Zealand captain joins the England setup on the back of his 18-year association with the Super Kings franchise, taking CSK them to five IPL titles as well as two Champions League T20 titles.

On the appointment, England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key, said: “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.

"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."

Root, meanwhile, returns to full-time Test captaincy, taking over from Ben Stokes, who announced his international retirement during the recent Test series against New Zealand. He has led England more times in Tests than anyone, being at the helm 65 times, winning 27, losing 27 and drawing 11 times.

Root was quoted by the ECB saying: “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.

"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."

Root also stepped in to lead England in the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval, when Stokes was suspended for a game.

On the Root-Fleming pairing, Key added: "I am excited by the prospect of him working with Joe Root who will get the opportunity to lead free from the Covid restrictions that the Test team faced at the end of his first stint as captain. Joe is undoubtedly an England great and he is passionate about leading this team into a new era."

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