Fleming makes discipline and identity priorities for England
England’s new Test coach says recent off-field incidents have distracted from the team’s objectives, while Brydon Carse remains available for selection.
Stephen Fleming has identified discipline, belonging and team identity as early priorities after taking over as England’s Test coach on a four-year deal.
In interviews reported by Yahoo Sports, Fleming said recent off-field incidents had been disappointing and risked diverting attention from England’s objectives. He pointed to Joe Root as an example of what an international cricketer should represent and said work had begun on strengthening the team’s sense of purpose.
Fleming said Brydon Carse remained available for selection, but added that performance could not be the only consideration. Players, he said, also had to meet behavioural standards.
The New Zealander replaces Brendon McCullum, a close friend and former team-mate. Fleming described McCullum as confident and aggressive, while characterising his own approach as more measured. He said the two styles could form a productive working relationship.
Fleming also credited McCullum and Ben Stokes with changing the landscape of English cricket. England enjoyed early success under their leadership but did not win a five-Test series against India or Australia.
He said opponents had adapted to Bazball as the approach evolved, although the supplied interview account ends before his comments on that development are completed.
