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Stephen Fleming has officially begun his term as England’s Test head coach, but this will come with an interesting arrangement. Actually, Stephen Fleming will continue his television commentary work even while serving as England’s red-ball coach.
Fleming was appointed as England’s Test coach in July after leaving his long-running position with Chennai Super Kings. However, he did not take the charge during England’s recent Test series against Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick leading the side in his absence. Earlier, Roadblock for Brydon Carse as Brendon McCullum echoes Kevin Pietersen's words.
Stephen Fleming finally arrives in England after family break
The 53-year-old Stephen Fleming finally reached England on Monday, September 14, for a 10-day stay. During this period, the former New Zealand captain is expected to discuss England’s Test plans with captain Joe Root and ECB managing director Rob Key.
Fleming had asked to join the England setup late so he could spend some time with his family. Despite not being physically present, the former CSK head coach remained involved during the Pakistan series and was in regular contact with Root and Trescothick, including discussions around team selection, as reported by The Guardian.
Fleming set for commentary role during India’s New Zealand tour
Fleming is expected to return to New Zealand before India’s all-format tour begins. India will start the tour with five T20Is, with the opening match scheduled in Christchurch on October 22. The teams will then play five ODIs before facing each other in the crucial two-match Test series.
This series is really important, as both teams are fighting for a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval next year. Fleming will be part of the commentary team for the India series after being assigned duties by Sky New Zealand.
Stephen Fleming gets special freedom from ECB for media work
Interestingly, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has approved Fleming continuing his media work, which is completely different from the one given to Brendon McCullum when he became England’s Test coach.
McCullum had to give up his radio role after taking the England job. Fleming is likely to spend most of his time in New Zealand when England is not preparing for a Test series. His first series as head coach will come against South Africa in December and January. Amid this, Brendon McCullum reveals Kevin Pietersen’s reaction to England return.
Stephen Fleming set to join England camp as Brendon McCullum confirms his plan
Meanwhile, Stephen Fleming is set to join England’s T20I camp in Manchester this weekend as he begins settling into his new role as the team’s incoming Test head coach. Fleming has already started his England work with a visit to the ECB’s Performance Centre in Loughborough.
He will now spend time with Brendon McCullum in Manchester during England’s third T20I against Sri Lanka. The former New Zealand captain faces a busy first few months with England. The team will play a tri-series in Pakistan from October 22, followed by limited-overs matches in Australia before Fleming begins his first Test assignment against South Africa in December.
McCullum said of Fleming at the Utilita Bowl: “He was on the M1 this morning. He was driving around the country, making sure he caught up with a few people around the county scene and down at Loughbrough as well, and getting around, trying to get his feet under the desk. He'll do that pretty quickly and join up with us in Manchester, and we'll have a good chance to work through a few things.”
