New England Test coach Stephen Fleming says he shares the country’s strong desire to beat Australia in the Ashes.
Fleming spoke publicly for the first time since his appointment in July. He is preparing to begin his tenure when England travel to South Africa in December.
The former New Zealand captain said he understands the importance of the Ashes rivalry and is eager to experience it from the England camp.
‘We Want to Beat the Aussies’
Fleming said England’s focus on Australia does not concern him because he also has a strong desire to win the rivalry.
“No, because I have an obsession with it as well,” Fleming told BBC Sport.
“We want to beat the Aussies.”
He described New Zealand as Australia’s “little cousin” and said the rivalry has a strong connection with New Zealand cricket as well.
Fleming added that he was excited to have the opportunity to be involved in the Ashes as England’s Test coach.
Ashes Challenge Awaits
England will host Australia in the next Ashes series next summer.
The series will be closely watched after England suffered a 4-1 defeat during their most recent Ashes tour of Australia.
England have not won the Ashes since 2015.
Fleming, however, said his immediate priority was to build a team capable of adapting to different conditions and situations.
Fleming Wants Flexible England Team
The new coach said he does not believe a Test team should be restricted to a particular brand or style of cricket.
Instead, he wants England to be able to respond effectively to changing conditions during matches.
“I don’t think so,” Fleming said when asked whether a Test team should have a specific identity.
He said he wanted his players to demonstrate planning and discipline while retaining enough freedom to express themselves.
Relationship With McCullum
Fleming succeeds his former New Zealand team-mate Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach.
McCullum remains involved with England’s white-ball teams.
The two former New Zealand internationals are also business partners and close friends.
Fleming joked about the difference between their approaches, saying he would “bet on the favourite” while McCullum would choose “the longest odds possible”.
Fleming’s first major task will be to establish his approach with the Test team before the next Ashes campaign.
BBC
