MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming in CSK, Babar Azam (Source: X and AFP)
In a major development, Stephen Fleming’s arrival as England's new Test coach has been delayed. It is worth noting that Fleming was appointed as Brendon McCullum's successor last month after the England and Wales Cricket Board decided to split the red-ball and white-ball coaching roles.
England is currently playing Pakistan in a three-match Test series, and the Three Lions lead the series 1-0 after a dominant innings and 103-run victory at Headingley.
When Will Stephen Fleming Join England Team As Head Coach?
The former New Zealand captain, Stephen Fleming, is expected to reach England only after the ongoing Pakistan series ends. Earlier it was expected that he would arrive in England in September, hoping to be present for the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on September 9.
However, he will not enter the country until the Pakistan series is completed, according to the latest reports from The Telegraph.
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So, as of now, if Fleming joins late, it means Trescothick and Root will remain responsible for the immediate Test campaign. He is expected to formally begin his England tenure as Test coach during the South Africa series later in the year.
Although Fleming is not yet in England, he has already been in regular contact with England captain Joe Root.
It is also important to note that during this time, Fleming is focusing on understanding England’s domestic cricket system.
Why Is Fleming Focusing on County Cricket?
With two rounds of County Championship matches scheduled after the Pakistan series, Fleming has ample time to watch players and meet people involved in the county game.
However, there is no formal tour of all the planned County games, partly because the season will be nearing its conclusion. Still, Stephen Fleming will want to build useful relationships with county coaches, players and England's support staff.
This could help him identify players who may eventually push for Test selection. It also gives Fleming a chance to understand the conditions and demands of English domestic cricket before taking full control of the national side.
How Can Stephen Fleming's Arrival Shape England's Test Future?
The fact that cannot be denied is that Stephen Fleming brings considerable coaching experience, including his long association with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
It is also important to note that Fleming has been the head coach of Joburg Super Kings (SA20) and Texas Super Kings (Major League Cricket).
His appointment also maintains a link with Brendon McCullum, who remains England's white-ball coach and has known Fleming since their playing days.
As of now, till the time Fleming joins the England team, the Joe Root-led team will need to focus on the ongoing Pakistan series. The second Test between Pakistan and England will be played at Lord’s and will start on August 27.
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.jpg?type=mq "Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not part of U19 squad")
