New England Test head coach Stephen Fleming has spoken of his desire to return the team to the top of the world rankings, adding that there is “work to be done” on the side’s disciplinary issues that have dominated headlines this summer.
In June, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were suspended from the second Test of the 2-1 series loss to New Zealand due to a nightclub incident that occurred in the wake of their opening win at Lord’s.
Last month, Brydon Carse was handcuffed outside a nightclub in Derby and missed the second and third Tests of England’s series whitewash of Pakistan, prompting Test captain Joe Root to describe himself as “hacked off” by the growing list of alcohol-related incidents involving England players.
Carse did not face any charges after police closed their investigation.
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We take a look back at an extraordinary summer of Test series which saw Ben Stokes retire, a new England captain, the end of Bazball, and a series sweep of Pakistan
“It’s disappointing,” Fleming said. “The way that players represent England and the group is going to be really important to me.”
He added: “I watched Joe in the press conference, and when he voices his displeasure at the behaviour, I think that said it all.
“If you want a great example of how to behave as an international cricketer, Joe Root is it.
“There’s work to be done, and that comes back to making sure we’re tying into something a bit bigger than oneself.”
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Fleming discusses his method of discipline, with England having seen a number of off-field incidents for players over the last year
As well as having “a lot of contact” with Root since accepting the Test job on July 30 and throughout the Pakistan series – which Fleming was not yet in post for, due to family and commercial commitments – the new coach said he had also been in touch with Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June.
Amid suggestions of a possible return for the home Ashes series next summer, Fleming said of the 35-year-old: “He’s really happy and seemed to be really at peace with his decision.
“My view is that when a player decides to retire, it’s a big decision, and I have the utmost respect for that decision.”
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Stokes reflects on his decision to retire from international cricket and explains why it was the right time
Fleming excited for Ashes and keen to take England to top
Fleming admitted he is already excited about coaching England in next summer’s Ashes, calling it “an absolute highlight”, while he also talked up the potential of the team he is about to take over.
“I would love to be in charge of the number one Test team in the world. That would be my aspiration,” Fleming said.
“My honest appraisal is it’s a great time to be the head coach. I think it’s a real opportunity with the players that are coming through.
It’s one of the most prestigious jobs in cricket, and I was very honoured to be asked… The opportunity to take up this role is one that you don’t turn down.
“The fast bowlers as an example, I loved watching them operate in the [Pakistan] Test series recently.
“Also, the introduction of [Jordan] Cox and [Dan] Lawrence was nice, when you’ve got someone like [Jacob] Bethell [to come back].
“There’s talent there competing for places, and that’s always the barometer. If you’re leaving very good players out, then you’re going to be in a healthy situation.”
Jordan Cox (left) and Dan Lawrence (right) impressed during the Pakistan Test series
Fleming added on the World Test Championship, in which England sit sixth in the 2025-2027 cycle – having failed to reach the final of any of the previous three editions: “I think England could do much better in that.
“If that’s one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket, why would we not be trying to get it, along with every other marquee event that comes our way?
“That opportunity is real, but there’s a huge amount of work to do.”
Fleming rejects ‘Flemball’ in pursuit of ‘cricket sense’
As for the playing style Fleming will look for his team to adopt, he was keen to praise the prior work of Stokes and former New Zealand team-mate – England’s current white-ball coach – Brendon McCullum, but said he is looking to “combine a little bit of cricket sense around some key moments”.
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Fleming says the end of Bazball was ‘chaotic’ and that he was disappointed for outgoing captain Stokes
There will be no ‘Bazball’ style moniker to accompany his team’s style, however, as per his predecessor.
“That’s a medical condition,” Fleming joked when presented with the prospect of ‘Flemball’.
“The way they [Stokes and McCullum] changed the nature of Test cricket was quite remarkable, and I have a huge amount of respect for the courage that that took.
“Obviously, the last 12 months it hasn’t evolved as they would have liked and the fans would have liked, but I still acknowledge that period of two years [prior].”
He added: “I really loved the positive play and the freeing up of the England players, so if I could take that and combine a little bit of cricket sense around some key moments.
“There are key times in a match that you have to be really smart, and maybe we can just work a bit harder on that – but still combine positive nature of the players that are in there.”
Root is ‘greatness’ and ‘the best guy to captain Test team’
Talking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Fleming elaborated further on the respect he has for Root and how delighted he is to have him as captain of the Test team.
Root had previously captained England from 2017-2022 before being replaced by Stokes following a barren run of one win in his last 17 Tests.
Upon Stokes’ resignation, white-ball skipper Harry Brook could have been an all-format option, but Fleming is thrilled that Root accepted the role again.
“I am a really big fan of Root,” Fleming said. “I think he is a wonderful player and ambassador for the game, so to work with him was really appealing.
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Root hailed England’s adaptability with the bat and his high-quality bowling attack after the team stormed to a Test series win over Pakistan in his first series back as captain
“I just knew that he is the best guy to captain this side. He epitomises everything that is great about an international player. He is greatness, but a wonderful human being in the way that he conducts himself and can go about being great.
“He is such a great role model and such a perfect person for a young group of players. It was a no-brainer, for me, for him to be captain.
“Root is in charge. If he is going out and making key decisions, he is in charge. My role is very closely linked to provide him with what he needs. That can be criticism, constructively, so it’s not just a yes position.
“I want him to be the best he can be and I think there is still room to grow in his captaincy with this group. I don’t necessarily know what that looks like but I know there is growth and that’s exciting.”
