English cricket is going through a churn. Ben Stokes took retirement. Joe Root is back in the captain’s seat. Stephen Fleming took over the reins and has now opened up on what role he played in bringing Root back into a leadership role.
What Did Stephen Fleming Say About Joe Root?
Fleming, appearing in a conversation with Sky Sports, reflected on the process of filling the leadership vacuum left by Stokes, who captained England in 56 Tests. Fleming made it clear that backing Root was an instinctive choice.
“No, I was a big part of it,” Fleming noted, shedding light on his active influence in shaping England’s new leadership direction. “I just feel I just knew and know that he’s the best guy to captain this side.
“And he to me, he just epitomises everything that’s great about an international player.”
Root’s record is far from convincing. 68 tests: 30 wins, 27 losses. However, Fleming’s endorsement goes far beyond numbers.
“He is greatness, but he’s a wonderful human being, and the way he conducts himself and can go about being great is something that everyone should admire and look up to,” Fleming explained. “And that to me is captaincy and leadership.”
“And look, I can’t wait to do strategy and planning and work. But in essence, he is such a great role model and such a perfect person for a young group of players to model themselves on,” Fleming added. “It was a no-brainer to me.”
Fleming has decided to build England around a strong pillar in Root. Harry Brook could be a good successor. But before that happens, Fleming would hope to install a new culture.
Taking the goods of the Bazball era and blending them with smart tactics and intelligent planning.