New Zealand great and IPL coach wins England coaching role

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Fleming will replace Brendon McCullum in the key coaching role, after his fellow New Zealander was relieved of the position following a series defeat to the Black Caps in June.

Joe Root returns as England Test skipper, following the shock retirement of long-time captain Ben Stokes during the final Test of the series against New Zealand.

Despite having never held a head coach position at an international side, Fleming joins the England setup with a bulk of experience in franchise cricket having been in charge of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League in two separate stints since 2009 alongside short-terms domestic stints for teams in Australia, South Africa and the USA.

As a player, Fleming led New Zealand with aplomb across all formats, with the 53-year-old still the Black Caps' most successful Test skipper with 28 wins from 80 matches and their second-most capped Test cricketer of all time with 111 appearances.

Fleming's role will begin after the start of the upcoming Test Series against Pakistan, during which Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim Head Coach, with England currently sitting in seventh place in the World Test Championship standings.

Fleming said he is looking forward to work with players like Joe Root and Harry Brook post his appointment.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach. 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.

“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."

McCullum, who is still the coach for England's white-ball teams won 10 out of 12 Tests in his first year in charge of the Test side but a barren recent run during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship period saw him depart from the role at the start of June.

England's Test captain Joe Root said, “It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England Men’s Test captain again.

"The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Baz 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."

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