vinod Devkar
Entertainment
31/07/2026
Whoever the new head coach is may have a conversation with him. We don't know the definitive reason behind his retirement. He may have simply decided his Test journey was over, but there could also be an opportunity for someone to persuade him to return, " McDonald opined.
Stokes had explained at the time that retiring from Test cricket was "the best thing for me right now," although McDonald believes there is still room for a change of heart.
31/07/2026
Speaking to SEN Radio, McDonald said the prospect of Stokes returning for one final Ashes campaign in England would be the ideal narrative ahead of the blockbuster series.
"The fairytale would be that he comes back out of retirement and takes on one more Ashes and builds a lot of hype on the way in. If you're looking at promoting that series, that's probably the angle that you would want, " McDonald said.
McDonald added that he still believes the England all-rounder has enough left in the tank to compete at the highest level.
"To me, he's still got a lot of good cricket left in him. It'll be fascinating to see what happens," he added.
31/07/2026
I'm incredibly excited to be joining England as test coach. It's one of the most prestigious coaching positions in world cricket and I am honoured to be appointed," Fleming said.
"I'm particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as captain -- a generational talent who has achieved so much already.
"There is still plenty more to come from him, and I'm excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint."- Fleming said
31/07/2026
Stephen Fleming said that he is incredibly excited to join England as the new Test head coach and feels proud to take one of the most prestigious coaching positions in the world. He is excited to work with Joe Root and Harry Brook, saying his aim is to help the young talent in England fulfill their potential as world-class cricketers.
The New Zealander added that English county cricket had a big impact on his own career in the past, so he now looks forward to giving something back by helping the England team succeed.
Fleming said in the official statement shared by the ECB: “I am honored to be appointed. I am looking forward to working with the players and bedding in the gains made by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Of course, the ambition is always to win now. But equally, it’s about ensuring the team is well placed for the medium and long-term future.”
31/07/2026
The ECB said in an official media release: “Following a rigorous process, which involved numerous high-quality candidates, the ECB’s selection panel unanimously agreed on the appointment of Fleming. Fleming's role will begin after the start of the upcoming Rothesay Test Series against Pakistan, during which Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach."
ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould stated, “We are delighted to be able to confirm Stephen Fleming as our England Men’s Test coach with Joe Root returning as Test captain. Stephen is one of the very best coaches in the world, and he has a proven track record of building winning environments for the long term. We believe that his leadership style, alongside Joe Root, can drive the men's Test team forward.”
31/07/2026
“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to be England men’s test captain again,” Root said in a statement.
“The Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Brendon McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward.”
“The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen is also a huge motivator.
“He has proved over a long period of time that he is an exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game, and I am looking forward to working with him and helping to build a winning environment.”
31/07/2026
England named Joe Root as Test captain and appointed former New Zealand batter Stephen Fleming as head coach following the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
31/07/2026
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming becomes the new head coach of the England Test team
31/07/2026
Thank you Ajinkya Rahane
31/07/2026
Morne Morkel is set to continue as India's bowling coach, with reports indicating an extension through the 2027 ODI World Cup
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