Stephen Fleming wants his time as England’s Test coach to help develop English successors, outlining a longer-term ambition beyond his own appointment to the national team.
The former New Zealand captain’s comments put coaching development alongside the immediate task of preparing England for South Africa, with a three-Test series scheduled to begin in December.
Reuters reported Tuesday that Fleming expressed that preference in a BBC podcast released Monday. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead England.
The current setup already brings English coaches into his support team. Marcus Trescothick, Richard Dawson and James Foster will work alongside Fleming, together with South African Eric Simons.
The ECB confirmed that structure on October 12. Dawson also takes the national spin-bowling lead role, while Mike Yardy becomes the national batting lead.
Dawson returns after two seasons as Glamorgan head coach. His previous experience includes leading England Lions and England Under-19s, as well as working within the elite pathway.
Foster brings experience from England consultancy work, New Zealand and franchise cricket. He previously coached Northern Superchargers and has worked in leagues in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Simons adds another connection to Fleming’s franchise background. The former South Africa head coach worked with him at Chennai Super Kings between 2018 and 2026.
The ECB appointed Fleming on July 30, 2026, with Joe Root returning as Test captain. Fleming’s playing career included 111 Tests and 80 appearances as New Zealand captain.
He also has direct experience of English domestic cricket, having played for Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. He captained Nottinghamshire to the County Championship title in 2005.
The ICC reported in September that Fleming also wants England to challenge for the World Test Championship and become the world’s top-ranked Test team.
Those were targets rather than claims of an immediate transformation. In the September remarks, he acknowledged the work required and the need to balance demands on players.
Fleming also described the appeal of spending sustained time with an international squad. Compared with short franchise campaigns, the role offers months and years to develop working relationships.
The South Africa tour will provide his first assignment in charge of England’s Test side. The three-match series starts December 17, giving the new staff an immediate overseas challenge.
That schedule makes the coaching appointments practical as well as developmental. Experienced assistants will be working within an international group while England pursues the longer-term goals Fleming has outlined.
