"Gutted": Joe Root opens up on Brendon McCullum's Test exit, backs Stephen Fleming
London, August 12
England skipper Joe Root expressed his disappointment over head coach Brendon McCullum's departure as England's Test coach, praising him for bringing out the best in his game and changing his perspective on cricket.
McCullum remains England's white-ball head coach, while his former New Zealand teammate Stephen Fleming has taken over as Test head coach.
Root said he is grateful to continue working with McCullum in white-ball cricket and wished him well in his new role.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier this month confirmed the appointments of Stephen Fleming as head coach and Root as Test captain, with the duo taking over from Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
Stokes stepped down as England's Test captain and retired from international cricket after England's 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand in June, which came on the heels of a 4-1 Ashes series loss to Australia over the winter.
"I'll be honest with you. I was gutted when I found out Brendon was no longer going to be the Test coach. He's someone who I feel has really got the best out of me personally. I love the way he sees the game, and the way that he's opened my eyes up to looking at it slightly differently," Root said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.
"I feel like he's a brilliant coach. I'm very glad that we still get to work together on the white-ball stuff. He's someone that I owe a huge amount to, and that I've become pretty close with. I think they're doing brilliant stuff in white-ball teams. And I wish him all the very best in that," he added.
Root praised New Zealand Test coach Fleming, saying he has long admired him as both a player and captain. Root also highlighted Fleming's exceptional coaching record and expressed excitement about working with him, despite his experience being primarily in T20 cricket.
"[Fleming and I] have crossed paths a bit over the last few years when he's coached different teams around the world. I have someone that I've always admired," Root said.
"He's someone that I really did admire as a player. The way that he's always held himself as a captain first and foremost. His record as a coach has been exceptional, albeit in T20 cricket. There's so much that I'm looking forward to in that respect," he concluded.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I think this is a blessing in disguise for England. Fleming's tactical nous from the IPL (he coached CSK so well) could bring a fresh perspective. Root seems a bit too attached to McCullum though - leaders need to adapt quickly. Hopefully the transition is smooth for the team's sake.
The way ECB handles coaching changes always reminds me of a revolving door. McCullum brought excitement back to Test cricket after that 0-4 Ashes debacle, but Bazball's frailties against quality spin were exposed by India and NZ. Root's loyalty is touching but maybe England need this change. Interesting times ahead for both teams!
Yaar, I don't understand why they're making so much noise. Fleming is a proven coach, especially in T20 leagues like the IPL. Root needs to show more flexibility - being 'gutted' publicly might not be the best look when starting a new chapter. But I do think McCullum's attacking philosophy was a good change for Test cricket globally.
It's refreshing to see a captain speak so honestly about a coach's exit. We rarely see that in cricket politics. Root's maturity in praising both McCullum and Fleming shows he's grown as a leader. Ben Stokes retiring and now England restructuring - feels like the end of an era. Best wishes to all involved. Jai Ho Cricket! 🙏
Honestly, I feel McCullum's exit from Test cricket is a significant loss for the game's entertainment value. His fearless approach made even a dull draw exciting. But I respect the administrative decisions - sometimes
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