Stephen Fleming discusses England discipline, Ben Stokes and his coaching approach
Stephen Fleming, who joined England on a four-year deal, gave his first interviews since being appointed England's Test coach on 30 July. The interviews were published on 20 September 2026 and covered team discipline, Ben Stokes' retirement and Fleming's plans for the side.
England have recently been affected by a string of off-field incidents, including Harry Brook's altercation with a nightclub bouncer last year, Ben Duckett being videoed apparently drunk in Australia, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breaching a team curfew, and Brydon Carse being investigated by police after an incident in Derby. Fleming said: "It's been disappointing, because I understand what people are working towards. These events can derail a lot of things and divert attention from what really matters." He singled out Joe Root as an example of the standards he wants, adding: "When I look at epitomising an international cricketer and what they should stand for, it's Joe [Root]." Fleming also said: "Also, the belonging, identity, what are we doing here together and how we can be the best version of ourselves. A lot of that work has begun. "That's one of the key things for me to develop and my work with Joe has begun."
On Brydon Carse's availability, Fleming confirmed the bowler can be selected but stressed expectations beyond pure performance: "There are standards. We pick on runs and wickets primarily, but I think it's foolish not to also say there are standards that need to be set."
Fleming described his long-standing relationship with Brendon McCullum — a former team-mate, friend and business partner — and reflected on McCullum's mixed tenure as Test coach, which began with high points before ending after the Ashes defeat and his sacking this summer. Fleming said: "He was heart-sore it had worked out that way, but he was incredibly positive about the experience and opportunity. "He's been unwavering on that. His belief about where these teams can go is strong, and that was a major part when I was talking to him about doing the role." He contrasted their styles: "I love his confidence and aggressive nature. I'm more measured. "Somewhere in between we've got a beautiful working relationship with a huge amount of respect. "I have so much respect for what Ben Stokes and Brendon did for this English side. They changed the landscape of cricket and that's a really powerful thing."
Speaking about the results under McCullum, Fleming noted the side beat New Zealand and South Africa in their first summer and secured a memorable win in Pakistan, but could not win any of their five-Test series against India and Australia. He said: "I was in awe of what that team were doing and how they were doing it. "The last 12 months, the evolution – teams caught up, there was talent lost, a lot of reasons. That's now my opportunity. "There was a thousand wickets lost – [James] Anderson, [Stuart] Broad, then [Chris] Woakes. "When you do something special and you start doing it differently, everybody else takes a bit of time, then they catch up. "The pressure then goes on to evolution and that can create some challenges. That's my take on it. "The Ashes wasn't what they wanted and that is what this team is measured on. "All I can think about is now my opportunity to pick it up, and maybe add my style, which is looking at personality, a little bit more measured."
On Ben Stokes, who announced his shock retirement in June and had played under Fleming with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, Fleming said they had spoken at Durham earlier in the week. Fleming said: "He'd just come off another monster bowling spell. "He was in a great space, really happy, enjoying his time with Durham. "He's got a good winter planned with the family and is very much at peace with his decision. When a player makes that decision to retire, I respect that decision 100%. "To try to turn that around and question that is wrong. I know how much goes into that type of decision, and I respect that."
Fleming confirmed he was named England coach on 30 July but did not take charge of the recent series win over Pakistan, instead following from home because of prior commitments and family reasons. He said: "There were commitments and family commitments I had that I just wasn't in a position to break. That's more about me as a person, than dropping everything and coming over here. "I watched and connected with Joe and the team straight away once it was approved – I've got a stress fracture in my left ear from phone calls. "Watching remotely, I won't say it was an advantage, but watching them operate with eyes wide open as to what was expected, the opportunity, the challenges, and there was also another part – introducing Joe back into captaincy, and Marcus Trescothick the opportunity to do the head coach's role. "That's part of why I love the game, bringing people forward, developing people, leadership, and they did brilliantly. "It gave me an opportunity to catch my breath, and then start pretty fresh with a clear mind about what's ahead." He also noted his franchise record, saying he led Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles before leaving his role after this year's tournament and acknowledged he has not previously coached a red-ball side, while adding he was New Zealand captain for 80 of his 111 Tests.
On the style he wants from England, Fleming said: "If people were watching a team, I'd love people to say they are well-planned, there's a discipline and a really strong basic structure to what we're doing, but there's also a bit of flair. "That's not necessarily me and the way I played, but it's what I loved about this English side when they started playing like this. "It's taking the best of that and adding that planning aspect, so if supporters could look at us and say 'yeah, they are disciplined, well-planned and competitive'. That's a good start. "The greatest thing for a team to do is to be able to play conditions and situations. "One thing this team has earned is the ability to be positive. One of the other aspects is winning the tough moments and making sure we don't just play entertaining cricket and win moments, but win games." On the Ashes and England's focus on Australia he said: "No, because I have an obsession with it as well," adding: "New Zealand has an obsession with it, we love it. "We want to beat Aussie. We're heavily linked to England performances. We have a deep desire to beat Australia in everything, as the little cousin. "We are linked, and I'm incredibly excited about being part of it. You don't think you're ever going to get that opportunity. "To have that opportunity and be part of it, I can't wait. I want to be my best self and have a team that represents itself in the best possible way. I've got a vision of that and it's aspirational. It will be brilliant." On the World Test Championship he said: "England could do much better than that. "And even attitude just around the over rate, I think, comes down to identity and style of play. "And if that's one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket, why would we not be trying to get it along with every other marquee event that comes our way?"
Fleming's first assignment as England head coach is a Test series against South Africa in December, followed by two Tests in Bangladesh and a one-off anniversary Test in Melbourne during the winter, with next summer's Ashes scheduled after those fixtures.
