Stephen Fleming close to becoming England's new Test coach: Report
London, July 30
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has emerged as the leading candidate to become England's new Test coach and is close to being appointed following a week-long interview process, The Telegraph UK reported.
Fleming is understood to be the preferred choice to replace his former New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum, who was removed as England's Test coach following the retirement of captain Ben Stokes.
According to The Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is keen to appoint the 53-year-old Fleming, who played 111 Tests for New Zealand. However, it remains unclear whether he will take charge in time for England's upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan, beginning at Headingley in three weeks.
The ECB is reportedly open to assistant coach Marcus Trescothick taking charge on an interim basis for the Pakistan series, with the new Test coach potentially taking over ahead of England's tour of South Africa in December.
Fleming is believed to have been preferred over English candidates Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott, as well as former Australia coach Tom Moody. Former England coach Andy Flower was initially considered a favourite but ruled himself out to focus on his franchise commitments, The Telegraph reported.
Fleming has extensive coaching experience with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he won five titles. He also worked with the franchise's teams in Major League Cricket and South Africa's SA20.
The former New Zealand captain left CSK earlier this month, shortly after McCullum's removal as Test coach, paving the way for a potential move to the England setup.
Fleming and McCullum have a long-standing relationship, having played together for New Zealand. McCullum made his Test debut under Fleming's captaincy and has regarded him as a mentor.
The report added that Fleming's tactical acumen and man-management skills are among the qualities that have made him the preferred candidate, although he has not coached in red-ball cricket for several years.
England are expected to have former captain Joe Root lead the side against Pakistan, while the long-term captaincy decision could be left to the incoming Test coach. Harry Brook is also considered a potential candidate for the role, The Telegraph reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting development. But I wonder how Fleming's IPL-centric coaching style will translate to Test cricket. Red-ball is a different beast altogether. Still, his man-management skills are top-notch.
If Fleming brings even half the success he had with CSK to the England Test team, they'll be dominating world cricket! That said, the ECB should let him start after the Pakistan series. No need to rush him into a unfamiliar format mid-series.
Honestly, I'm surprised they didn't go with an English coach. Dawson or Trott would have understood the county system better. But Fleming's credentials are undeniable - five IPL titles speak for themselves. Interesting times ahead for English cricket.
The Root-Fleming combination could be brilliant! Root is a class player, and Fleming knows how to get the best out of his captain. Just hope they don't overburden Joe with too much responsibility. 😊
Fleming leaving CSK after so many years is a big deal for us IPL fans. He was synonymous with the franchise. But if he's going to coach England, it shows the respect he commands globally. Well deserved, Flem! 🇳🇿➡️🏴
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