Fleming appointed England Test coach; Root returns as captain

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced major changes to the men's Test team: Stephen Fleming has been appointed as head coach, while Joe Root returns as captain.

Fleming, 53, had never previously served as a national team head coach, but he led Chennai Super Kings to a record five Indian Premier League titles during his 17-year tenure as head coach.

Previous Test coach Brendon McCullum was dismissed earlier this month after a string of poor results and several off-field incidents, but remains in charge of England's white-ball sides.

Root, 35, whose first spell as Test captain was between 2017 and 2022, captained England to a record 27 Test wins in 65 matches.

Fleming said he was "incredibly excited" to be taking on the role as Test coach, describing it as "one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket" and said he felt honored to be appointed.

Fleming will not be in charge for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, which begins on 19 August. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach.

After spending time with his family in New Zealand, Fleming will fly to the UK later this summer to begin preparations for the South Africa Test tour in December.

Root said that taking on the captain's role alongside Fleming was a "huge motivator" and praised Fleming as an exceptional leader with great knowledge of the game, expressing his eagerness to work with him to build a winning environment.