England has appointed Joe Root as Test captain and named former New Zealand batter Stephen Fleming as head coach following the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, according to official announcements.
Joe Root Returns to England Test Captaincy
Root, who serves as England’s all-time leading run scorer in Tests, previously captained the side in a record 64 matches between 2017 and 2022, securing 27 wins during that tenure. Root will lead the squad in the upcoming three-Test home series against Pakistan, which starts on August 19.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England men’s test captain again,” Root stated. Root recently captained England in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval during Stokes’ absence.
Stephen Fleming Takes Over as Test Head Coach
Fleming steps into the role of England Test head coach, succeeding Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of England’s white-ball teams. The 53-year-old New Zealander played 111 Tests for New Zealand and captained his national side.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining England as Test Coach,” Fleming said. “It’s one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed.” Fleming will officially take charge after the Test series against Pakistan. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will manage the side on an interim basis until Fleming’s arrival.
Did You Know?
Joe Root captained England in 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022, establishing a record for the most matches led by a Test captain in the nation’s cricket history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new England Test captain?
Joe Root has been appointed as the new England Test captain, replacing the retired Ben Stokes.
Who replaced Brendon McCullum as Test coach?
Stephen Fleming has replaced Brendon McCullum as the Test head coach. McCullum remains the coach of England’s white-ball teams.
When is England’s next Test series?
England faces Pakistan in a three-Test home series beginning on August 19, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim coach before Stephen Fleming takes over.
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