Stephen Fleming sets target of reaching No. 1 Test ranking with England
Stephen Fleming aims to return England to the top of the Test rankings and improve their World Test Championship record.
England's new Test coach Stephen Fleming said he wants to take the team back to the top of the ICC rankings for the first time since 2012. Fleming signed a contract with the ECB until September 2030 after a two-week recruitment process. His first assignment is the winter series against South Africa before a home Ashes campaign.
Fleming has begun working with Test captain Joe Root to establish a clear team identity. He stressed the importance of creating a sense of belonging within the squad while allowing players input into how England play their cricket. The former New Zealand captain also identified improving England's over-rate as part of developing a stronger team identity.
Fleming succeeds Brendon McCullum, who was sacked as Test coach after England's struggles over the past 18 months. He said McCullum was honest about the team's situation and recognised the opportunity to turn things around.