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Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England Test coach, with Joe Root returning as captain. Fleming led Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles during his 17-year tenure but has never previously worked as head coach of a national team.

Root, 35, captained England to a record 27 Test wins in 65 matches between 2017 and 2022. He replaces Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June. Fleming will not be in charge for the Test series against Pakistan beginning August 19, with assistant coach Marcus Trescothick serving as interim head coach.

Fleming said the role is one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket. Root described the appointment as a huge motivator and said Fleming has proved to be an exceptional leader. Fleming will begin preparations for the South Africa Test tour in December after spending time with his family in New Zealand.