England rope in Stephen Fleming as Test head coach; reappoint Joe Root as captain

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of the men's Test team and handed the reins of the side to Joe Root. The board has revealed that everyone involved in the selection panel unanimously agreed to Fleming's appointment.

Fleming, 53, recently parted ways with Chennai Super Kings, ending a highly successful 18-year-long association. Under Fleming's guidance, CSK won five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023) and two Champions League T20 titles (2010/11 and 2014/15).

Fleming is still the most successful captain for New Zealand in Tests. He led the Kiwis in 80 Tests with 28 wins, 27 losses and 25 draws with a win percentage of 35%. Fleming also captained the Blackcaps in 218 ODIs with 98 wins and 106 losses. One game ended in a tie, whereas 13 couldn't yield any result. As captain, he holds a win percentage of 44.95% and a loss percentage of 48.62% in 50-over cricket.

The appointment of Fleming would see him work in tandem with his former New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum, who previously held the role and continues to coach England in the white-ball circuit.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach," Fleming said in his statement. "It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket, and I am honoured to be appointed.    

"I am 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.  

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as Captain - a generational talent who has achieved so much already. There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint.  

“I’m also excited to work with Harry Brook. The best players are never finished products, and helping Harry continue to develop his extraordinary talent and his leadership will be an important part of this journey.  

“I know what it feels like to have the weight of leadership and international cricket take their toll, and when that happened to me, my love for the game was rekindled by going to Notts and winning the County Championship. English cricket gave that to me and it is a privilege to have this chance to give something back.”  

Meanwhile, Root is the most successful captain England have ever had in the red-ball format. Root has recorded 27 Test wins as captain, which is the most by any leader in the format. He has led England in 65 Tests with 11 draws and 27 losses. Root has a win percentage of 41.53%.

ECB's decision to reinstate Root points to its belief in his leadership and reluctance to overburden Harry Brook, who is already in charge of the white-ball sides.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England Men’s Test captain again," said Root. "The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with [Brendon] McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward.  

"The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen 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."  

England's next Test assignment is a three-match Test series against Pakistan on home turf starting August 19 in Leeds. The second Test will be played at Lord's and the third at Edgbaston. Notably, batting coach Marcus Trescothick will be England's interim head coach during the Pakistan series.

Fleming has signed a four-year contract with the ECB, which will take him to the end of September 2030. He will assume responsibilities later this English summer to begin preparations for England's three-match Test tour of South Africa in December. 

Pakistan tour of England 2026