Stephen Fleming: Former Black Caps captain addresses England coaching reports, possible NZ Cricket return

And while Fleming insists the timing is strictly coincidental, his name is reportedly on a nine-strong shortlist of coaches to helm England’s test side, with an Ashes series against Australia roughly a year away.

Asked whether he’d be interested in succeeding his former teammate and longtime friend, Fleming emphasised that there had been no approach from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

But if that were to materialise, it would be something he would consider.

“I’ve certainly become aware of it,” he told the Herald of the reported shortlist.

“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.”

Former England coach Andy Flower, former Australia coach Justin Langer and ex-Black Caps boss Mike Hesson have also been linked with the role.

Potentially counting against Fleming is the fact that he has never coached a red-ball side. However, his acumen as one of the best captains the game has seen and extensive knowledge of English county cricket through his time with Nottinghamshire are a huge tick in his favour.

Elsewhere, sources have told the Herald that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) would be interested in finding a role for Fleming closer to home.

There has been no suggestion that NZC would look to move current Black Caps coach Rob Walter on – given his successes during his first year in charge – with the England series win coming months after a run to the T20 World Cup final.

Instead, it has been suggested that Fleming could be used in a high-performance role.

Previously, Fleming has linked up with the Black Caps to prepare for major tournaments, notably before the 2021 T20 World Cup, in which they were beaten in the final by Australia.

As is the case with the England role, however, no approach has been made to Fleming.

“Given my current employment state, I’m happy to look at anything,” he joked. “I’ve been reasonably open with that in the past. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to join the Black Caps when on tour, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“This generation of New Zealand cricketers has been outstanding; we’ve had some of the best ever. Having had the chance to share some time with them whilst they’ve been on tour and in competitions has been quite a highlight.

“If the opportunity did come up and the timing was right, absolutely I’d look at it.”

Given his extensive knowledge of the franchise T20 circuit, Fleming would also be eager to be involved in the proposed new NZ20, with its readjusted launch of 2028.

While the finer details are still to be finalised, NZ20 will see foreign investment into New Zealand’s T20 competition and the adoption of a franchise model to bring NZC into line with the rest of the world.

Most importantly, NZ20 will allow the best Black Caps and White Ferns to ply their trade in their home country, rather than chase offshore opportunities, as is currently the case.

As an observer of New Zealand cricket, and having held franchise roles all over the world, Fleming welcomes NZ20’s arrival with open arms.

For a start, though, he wants to see New Zealand adopt a “boutique” style tournament, making use of the peak of the summer, rather than see NZ20 extend itself too far in attempting to match other leagues taking place at the same time.

Fleming’s time with the Chennai stable also consisted of coaching roles with the Texas Super Kings in American Major League Cricket and the Johannesburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20. A franchise role in New Zealand is another job he’d jump at.

“It’s certainly something I’d love to be involved in,” he said. “With it pushed back to 2028, there’s certainly a possibility of that.

“Being away for 19 years, coaching overseas, my passion for cricket in New Zealand to flourish is very high.

“If there was an opportunity in that, that’s something I’d look into.”

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