Fleming hopes to build on McCullum-Stokes legacy as England Test coach

England's new Test head coach Stephen Fleming said he is keen to build on the foundations laid by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes while shaping the team's next generation. The former New Zealand captain described the role as "one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket", adding that he was "incredibly excited" and "honoured" to take charge.

Fleming, who recently brought the curtain down on his long and highly successful association with Chennai Super Kings, was appointed as McCullum's successor after England opted for a change following the end of the Stokes-McCullum era.

McCullum departed after England's 2-1 home Test series defeat to New Zealand, which came on the back of a disappointing Ashes campaign, while Stokes retired from international cricket after the series. Joe Root has since been reinstated as Test captain, with Fleming set to take charge after England's upcoming series against Pakistan. Marcus Trescothick will oversee that assignment in an interim capacity as Fleming remains in New Zealand with his family.

"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," Fleming said.

"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."

Fleming reserved special praise for Root, who returns for a second spell as England's full-time Test captain after previously leading the side in 65 matches.

"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."

He also outlined a key role for Harry Brook in England's future, saying the all-format star's growth as both a batter and a leader would remain a major focus. "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."

England are currently fifth in the ICC Test rankings and have gone 14 months without a Test series victory, having lost eight of their last 13 matches. Fleming, however, believes his own experiences of leadership and rediscovering his passion for the game can help him guide the side through its next phase.

"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," he said.

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