Stephen Fleming, England’s newly appointed Test coach and a native of New Zealand, has suggested that the national side should be led by someone from England.
Fleming begins his tenure with a December series in South Africa, becoming the latest overseas coach to lead the England men’s cricket team.
Since 1999, just two Englishmen—Peter Moores, who served two terms, and Chris Silverwood—have coached England’s Test side, while Ashley Giles previously led the white-ball team.
Over the same period, England has been guided by Zimbabweans Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower, along with Australia’s Trevor Bayliss. Fleming succeeds fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of white-ball cricket, following another Australian, Matthew Mott, who previously held that role.
Fleming’s support staff, revealed last week, is dominated by domestic coaching talent.
Former England opener Marcus Trescothick, who served as interim Test coach earlier this year, is joined by ex-England wicketkeeper James Foster and former spinner Richard Dawson.
Ashes winner Jonathan Trott is set to take charge of the England Lions. Both Trott and Dawson had been contenders for the Test coaching position before Fleming’s appointment.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former New Zealand captain Fleming said developing English coaches will be a priority during his time in charge.
“I believe the national team should primarily be coached by someone who represents the nation,” Fleming stated.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, but there will be development in our coaching setup, which is reflected in our staff,” he said.
Alongside Fleming and McCullum heading the men’s national teams, England’s selector Marcus North is also Australian.
In September, Australian Leah Poulton was named managing director of England Women’s cricket. From 2020 to 2023, former Australia international Lisa Keightley served as England Women’s head coach.
Beyond developing his own coaching staff, Fleming plans to periodically bring in county coaches and former England players.
“Several important figures have returned to the setup, and I am very pleased about that,” he said.
“I look forward to collaborating with them. It is a genuine focus and an ambition that county coaches will be involved at specific times, and former players will be invited back as well,” he continued.
“It is an inclusive and natural way to utilize available resources while also driving progress within the county game and English cricket as a whole.”
