Stephen Fleming aims to lift England to Test number one

Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, has begun his tenure as England’s Test coach with a mission to restore the side to world number one. After a whirlwind tour of county cricket, he outlined his ambitions to overhaul England’s approach to the World Test Championship and strengthen ties…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:38:21 GMT

In July, the England cricket board appointed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the head of the Test side, a role he accepted after a brief hiatus that saw him miss the 3‑0 series defeat to Pakistan. Fleming’s first days in the country were spent immersing himself in the county circuit, visiting five matches in three days and meeting with key figures such as captain Joe Root and director of cricket Rob Key.

Setting a Clear Ambition

From the outset, Fleming has made his goal unmistakable: lift England from their current fifth‑place position in the ICC Test rankings back to the summit. He also wants to address the team’s disappointing performance in the World Test Championship, where England have never reached a final in the competition’s four editions and sit sixth in the current table.

Speaking at Old Trafford, where he joined his predecessor Brendon McCullum, Fleming said, "I would love to be in charge of the number one Test team in the world. That would be my aspiration." He added that the timing was right for a new coaching philosophy and that the role was one of the most prestigious in cricket.

Re‑engaging with County Cricket

Fleming’s first week in England was dedicated to reconnecting with the domestic game, a relationship that had felt strained under the previous regime of McCullum and Ben Stokes. A former county champion with Nottinghamshire and a player for Middlesex and Yorkshire, he has a deep respect for the county structure.

He described the experience as a "tour of love," noting that he spent hours on the M1 motorway, meeting county coaches, new players and former teammates who now hold administrative roles. "I have a deep respect for the county game and what it can offer," he said. "It is a key part of English cricket, so to reconnect and immerse myself in that over the last three days has been really good."

Working with Brendon McCullum

Fleming’s partnership with Brendon McCullum, who will continue to oversee the white‑ball squad, is expected to be pivotal. The two former New Zealand teammates are also business partners, and Fleming has described the arrangement as a "big brother" dynamic. He said, "It’s nice to be in a position to work with him; it’s been a while. It is an advantage that we will be able to talk fairly openly and be robust… we don’t have to spend time getting to know each other as coaches."

McCullum’s aggressive approach, often referred to as "Bazball", has been polarising. Fleming dismissed any notion of a "Flemball" style, joking that it sounded like a medical condition.

Future Plans and Challenges

Fleming acknowledged that the path to the top will require substantial work. He emphasised the importance of the World Test Championship, stating that it is "high" in priority and that England should aim to compete for it alongside other marquee events. He added that the opportunity is real but that a lot of effort is needed to realise it.

As England’s Test coach, Fleming will focus on developing a more cohesive strategy for the long format, strengthening player fitness, and ensuring that the national side benefits from the talent nurtured in county cricket. His appointment comes at a time when England is looking to rebuild after a series of underwhelming performances in recent years.

While the exact timeline for achieving the number one ranking remains uncertain, Fleming’s clear vision and commitment to the domestic game signal a fresh start for England cricket. The next few months will be crucial as he implements his plans and works closely with the coaching staff, players, and county clubs to bring the national team back to the pinnacle of Test cricket.

What remains to be seen is how quickly Fleming can translate his ambitions into results on the field and whether the partnership with McCullum will provide the stability needed to navigate the challenges of modern Test cricket.

Key facts

Fleming’s appointment aims to restore England to world number one.
He began with a county tour to rebuild domestic links.
McCullum will continue to manage white‑ball formats.
England’s World Test Championship record is a key focus.
Fleming’s partnership with McCullum is a "big brother" dynamic.
The next few months will determine the success of his plans.

Why it matters

England’s return to the top of Test cricket would restore national pride and re‑establish the country as a dominant force in the sport, impacting fan engagement, sponsorship, and the future of the game.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stephen Fleming’s main goal as England’s Test coach?

He aims to lift England to world number one in the Test rankings and improve their World Test Championship performance.

How has Fleming engaged with county cricket?

He visited five county matches in three days, meeting coaches, players, and former teammates to strengthen ties between the domestic and national teams.