‘He’s like me, but better’: Brendon McCullum’s verdict on England’s new Test coach Stephen Fleming | Cricket News
England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his weight behind the England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to hand Joe Root the Test captaincy once again, insisting Harry Brook‘s opportunity to lead the side in the longest format will arrive in due course.The ECB’s decision to bring Root back as Test captain after Ben Stokes’ retirement came as a surprise, with many expecting vice-captain Brook to take over. Brook has already been leading England’s white-ball sides and was widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed Stokes.However, McCullum believes England have made the right call by opting for Root’s experience while continuing to groom Brook for the future.“Everyone knows the affection that I have for Harry,” white-ball head coach McCullum told Sky Sports. “He’s a wonderful player and he’s doing a fine job as white-ball leader. I think his time will come in the Test job.”McCullum said England would continue investing in Brook’s leadership development, adding that the 27-year-old remains central to the team’s long-term plans.“I’m looking forward to working with him and hopefully growing and developing him into the leader that he can become. At some stage in the future, he will have a very important role in that capacity. But for now, Joe will do an amazing job,” he added.Root’s return marks a dramatic twist in England’s leadership story. His first spell as Test captain ended amid mounting criticism before Ben Stokes replaced him, but following Stokes’ retirement, the ECB has turned back to its most prolific Test batter to guide the side through a new era.The leadership reshuffle has also extended to the coaching setup. McCullum has stepped down as England’s Test coach, with former Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming taking charge of the red-ball side.McCullum believes England could not have found a better successor, describing Fleming as an outstanding appointment.“I had a great time in my four years but now it’s going in a different direction, I think Flem (Fleming) will be excellent. He’s a little bit like me, but better – that’s how I would sum him up. He’ll do a great job, and the ECB have done incredibly well to get someone like him to commit to English cricket for the period that he has. It’s an outstanding achievement,” McCullum said.
