Overview
- Fleming began public duties this week with media appearances and county visits that he described as a “tour of love,” saying he will keep Bazball’s positive intent while adding more tactical smarts.
- He has set concrete ambitions to restore England to the world No.1 Test ranking and to target next summer’s Ashes as the main measure of success.
- Fleming met Ben Stokes in Durham and said Stokes appeared “really at peace” with his retirement, which Fleming refused to try to reverse.
- The coach criticised recent off-field drinking incidents and pointed to Joe Root as the behavioural model he expects from England players.
- Fleming has not yet finalised his backroom team and will begin full duties when England open the three-Test tour of South Africa in Johannesburg on 17 December.