Joe Root: Fleming a ‘big reason’ I wanted captaincy again for England Test team

Root Embraces England Captaincy Return, Citing Fleming’s Influence

Joe Root has openly admitted that the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England’s new Test head coach was a significant factor in his decision to return to the captaincy, a role he relinquished four years prior. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the dual appointments of Fleming and Root on Thursday, succeeding the popular duo of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes respectively. Rob Key, England’s managing director, further emphasized Fleming’s crucial input in the decision to reinstate Root, noting that the vacancy had arisen “too soon” for Stokes’ vice-captain, Harry Brook.

Root’s initial tenure as England’s Test captain spanned five years, from 2017 to 2022, during which he collaborated with two permanent head coaches, Trevor Bayliss and Chris Silverwood. Paul Collingwood served as interim charge for Root’s final series against the West Indies in early 2022. More recently, Root also worked alongside Brendon McCullum for a single Test at The Oval last month, filling in during Stokes’ absence.

The Fleming Factor: A Catalyst for Return

Speaking to the ECB, Root was candid about his motivation: “If I’m being brutally honest, it [Fleming’s appointment] was a big reason why I wanted to do it.” He expressed profound excitement about Fleming’s vision for the game, how he perceives the team’s current standing, and the concerted effort required to achieve their collective aspirations. “All of that got me very excited about taking this role on,” Root affirmed.

The prospect of working with Fleming clearly invigorates the returning captain. “I’m very much looking forward to working with him,” Root stated. “He’s obviously got a wealth of experience and done some amazing things within the game as a player and as a coach, and I’m very much looking forward to the next little while, and us trying to build something pretty special together.” Fleming’s distinguished career as a player and his highly successful coaching stints, particularly in T20 leagues, bring a fresh perspective and strategic acumen that Root clearly values.

A Transformed Leader: Learning from the Bazball Era

Having captained England more than any other player in Test cricket, with a record of 27 wins, 27 defeats, and 11 draws, Root believes he is a “hugely different” person compared to when he stepped down in 2022. He plans to draw significant inspiration from the dynamic leadership style exemplified by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, an era fondly dubbed ‘Bazball’ for its aggressive and fearless approach.

Root reflected positively on his time under their guidance, stating, “The last four years have been the most fun I’ve had in professional cricket, and a big part of that was down to the way that they got me to see the game, how I fit into that side, and the experiences that we managed to create on and off the field.” While recent performances might be prominent in public memory, Root emphasized the substantial achievements over the broader four-year period. “I’ve taken a lot from that, and I feel it will be a big part of how I want to approach things moving forward as a leader of this team,” he added, signaling a continuity of the positive mindset.

Stripping Away Fear: A Core Philosophy

The most profound lesson Root appears to have absorbed from the recent past is the fundamental shift in mindset. “The thing that stands out the most for me is the shift in mindset that was created around how we want to play the game: trying to strip the fear away from things, make sure guys feel that they can really just allow their talent to come out as frequently as possible, and in big moments in games,” Root explained. He believes that fostering an environment where players can express themselves freely is paramount for success. “The more that can happen, the better.”

However, Root also acknowledges the need for tactical shrewdness to complement this aggressive philosophy. “If we can do that alongside recognising when the right time is to put pressure back on teams, or when the right time is to soak it up and to maybe play situations slightly differently, become a little bit smarter in certain areas, then I think we’ll be a very formidable team, and a very difficult team to break down and to beat.” This statement suggests a desire to blend the fearless approach with calculated decision-making, aiming for a more complete and resilient team.

Upcoming Challenge: Pakistan Series on the Horizon

England is expected to announce its squad for the three-match Test series against Pakistan next week, a series that will immediately follow the conclusion of The Hundred, where most of the national players are currently engaged. The team faces a tight schedule, with only two full training days allotted before the first Test commences at Headingley on August 19.

Adding another layer of complexity, Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the initial stages of the series, as Stephen Fleming will be in New Zealand attending to family commitments. Despite the logistical challenges, Root expressed his eagerness for the upcoming contests. “It’s always a huge honour to turn up to the start of a Test series and to get your teeth into what will be a really good contest against a good team in Pakistan,” he affirmed. “I’ll be very much looking forward to it, and getting all the guys in.”

Acknowledging the unique circumstances of the series, Root concluded, “[The Pakistan series] is going to be slightly different. It’s going to be quite tricky. It’s a very short turnaround [from The Hundred, which ends on August 16]. So it’s going to be important that we start really well in those two days that we have leading into the game.” The return of Root to captaincy, fueled by the prospect of working with Stephen Fleming, marks a pivotal moment for England’s Test side as they prepare for a demanding summer schedule.