New England Test coach Stephen Fleming has set his sights on making England the world’s No.1 Test side and competing seriously for the World Test Championship.
Stephen Fleming has formally begun his new era as England’s Test head coach with a clear long-term ambition: to take England back to the top of the Test rankings. Fleming, who was appointed to the role earlier this year, has also placed the World Test Championship high on England’s agenda as he prepares to take charge of the red-ball side.
Fleming said becoming the coach of the world’s No.1 Test team would be an aspiration for him. England currently have significant work ahead of them, but the New Zealander believes the team can improve its performance and approach to Test cricket by establishing a clear identity and stronger standards.
The new coach has also identified the World Test Championship as an important target. Fleming believes England should treat the competition as one of the major prizes in international cricket and wants the team to approach the championship cycle with greater purpose. England have yet to reach a World Test Championship final.
Fleming is also expected to work closely with England captain Joe Root as the Test side enters a new phase. Brendon McCullum, who previously coached England in Tests, remains involved with the white-ball teams, meaning Fleming and McCullum will continue to operate in separate but connected roles within the England setup.
One of Fleming’s early priorities is building a stronger sense of identity within the Test squad. He has spoken about the importance of how players represent England and the group, while also indicating that the team’s style of play should develop with input from the players themselves.
Fleming’s first Test assignment will come during England’s three-match tour of South Africa, beginning in December. The new coach will then have the Ashes on the horizon, giving his early tenure two major challenges as he attempts to establish his methods and build England towards the longer-term goal of competing at the top of Test cricket.
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