Stephen Fleming: Former Black Caps captain to be named England men’s test coach
Former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming will be appointed head coach of the England men’s test side, the Herald understands.
As first reported by the Telegraph, Fleming will be appointed on what’s understood to be a four-year deal, beginning with England’s tour of South Africa in December.
The 53-year-old has been out of work since leaving Indian Premier League franchise the Chennai Super Kings – and its associated sister sides in Johannesburg and Texas – earlier this month, coincidentally on the same day his former teammate Brendon McCullum was sacked as England test coach.
While there were initial doubts over Fleming’s willingness to take on a job like England’s so soon after leaving Chennai, one source told the Herald he was “excited” at being able to land such a marquee role.
Crucially, Fleming’s pre-existing relationship with McCullum is understood to have been pivotal in him securing the role, with both coaches having to carefully manage resources across England’s heavy three-format programme.
The Herald has approached Fleming for comment.
Earlier this month, the Herald asked the former Black Caps captain about the links to the England role. And while he had – at that point – not been contacted about applying for the role, Fleming outlined he would entertain any offers.
“I’ve certainly become aware of it,” he told the Herald of the reported interest. “The timing of it has been a bit like Kiwi-hunting season, wasn’t it, with Brendon being tapped on the shoulder on the same day. It was interesting timing.
“Whenever you get an opportunity – if it was the case that there was an approach – I’d be quite humbled by it.
“Until it happened, I couldn’t really give you an answer. I’d 100% give it some consideration, just out of respect. If another country thought you could add some value, it’s quite a compliment.
“I’d give it the respect that it deserves, but at this point that would be all I could really say.”
While Fleming boasts no red ball coaching his experience, his record in franchise Twenty20 cricket is exceptional.
As head coach, Fleming won the IPL five times to go with two titles in the now-defunct Champions League T20, but conceded the time was right for change for himself and Chennai.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.