Fleming's Bold Plan: Can England Finally Reach No. 1?

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-21

Stephen Fleming has a vision. And it's a big one. England's new Test head coach wants to take the team to the top of the world rankings and win the World Test Championship. He laid it all out in his first press conference at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. Fleming, who signed a contract through September 2030, is no stranger to success. As a former New Zealand captain, he knows what it takes to build a winning culture. And he's ready to bring that to England. ### The Ultimate Goal: World No. 1 England hasn't been No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings since 2012. That's a long time. Australia currently holds the top spot. But Fleming isn't shying away from the challenge. "Leading the world's top Test team represents my ultimate personal aspiration," he said. He called the England job "one of the most prestigious roles in global sport." But it won't be easy. England is currently sixth in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship standings. They've never reached the final in three previous editions. Fleming wants to change that. He sees the World Test Championship as a pinnacle trophy, right up there with the Ashes. Speaking of the Ashes, England will host Australia in summer 2027. Fleming is excited. He grew up watching the rivalry in New Zealand and loved every minute of it. ### Discipline: A Top Priority Fleming didn't mince words about off-field issues. Over the past nine months, there have been several high-profile incidents. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were suspended for a Test match after a nightclub incident at Lord's in June. Last month, police handcuffed fast bowler Brydon Carse outside a nightclub in Derby. Carse missed two Tests against Pakistan. The charges were dropped, but the Cricket Regulator is still investigating. Test captain Joe Root was angry about these alcohol-related incidents. Fleming supports Root's hardline stance. "Players need to feel proud to represent England and feel part of something bigger than themselves," he said. Fleming also spoke with former skipper Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket in June at 35. Stokes is happy and at peace with his decision. "I respect that decision very much," Fleming said. He didn't ask Stokes to come back for the 2027 Ashes. ### Building on 'Bazball' Foundations Fleming rejected the idea of calling his approach 'Flemball.' He joked it sounded like a medical condition. Instead, he plans to build on the aggressive foundations set by Brendon McCullum and Stokes. During their first two years, McCullum and Stokes transformed Test cricket with a fearless attacking mindset. But England struggled over the last 12 months. Fleming praised the courage behind that style but emphasized that England must now adapt. "We need to combine positive play with smart tactical decisions," he said. "It's about knowing when to attack and when to be more measured." Fleming will take charge on the field when England begins a three-match Test series in South Africa on 17 December. All eyes will be on him. Can he turn England into world-beaters? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Fleming isn't afraid to dream big. And that's exactly what England needs right now.