Fleming takes over from fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum, who was dismissed from his Test coaching role after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand. McCullum will continue to lead England’s white-ball teams.
Fleming will officially step into his position after England’s three-Test home series against Pakistan, commencing on August 19 in Leeds. Former England opener Marcus Trescothick will act as interim coach for that series.
Root returns to the captaincy after previously guiding England’s Test squad from 2017 to 2022. In his initial term, he led the team in a national record 65 Tests, achieving 27 victories, the highest for any England Test captain.
The 35-year-old takes over from Ben Stokes, who hung up his international boots following England’s home Test series against New Zealand in June. Prior to his retirement, Stokes endorsed vice-captain Harry Brook as his top choice for succession.
Fleming brings a wealth of leadership experience to this position. He captained New Zealand in 80 Test matches during his playing career, securing 28 wins, which makes him the longest-serving Test captain in the country’s history. He also had a successful county career in England, representing three counties and playing a key role in Nottinghamshire’s County Championship title win in 2005.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that Fleming would be allowed time to return home and spend time with his family after resigning as Chennai Super Kings head coach earlier this month. The former New Zealand skipper enjoyed significant success in the Indian Premier League, leading Chennai Super Kings to a record five IPL titles during his time there.
Fleming’s first major challenge after assuming control will be England’s three-Test tour of South Africa in December-January, where he and Root will embark on a new era for the national Test team.
