Stephen Fleming targets number one Test ranking and Ashes victory as England coach

New leadership and global targets

Stephen Fleming held his first press conference as England Test head coach at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, outlining targets to take the team to the top of the international rankings. Appointed in July 2026 to succeed Brendon McCullum, Fleming took charge after sitting out England's 3-0 series victory over Pakistan to fulfill prior family and commercial commitments. England currently occupy fifth place in the ICC Test rankings and sixth in the World Test Championship table, having never qualified for a final across four editions of the competition. Fleming stated that his primary ambitions include reaching number one for the first time since 2012 and competing for global trophies.

I would love to be in charge of the No 1 Test team in the world. That would be my aspiration... and as a New Zealander I have watched and loved the Ashes all my cricketing life so to be part of that is an absolute highlight. I can't wait for that.

Tactical adjustments and Ashes ambitions

Fleming plans to preserve the aggressive attacking style developed under McCullum, who remains head coach of England's white-ball teams, while introducing tactical composure in key moments. England are preparing for a home Ashes series against Australia next summer, seeking to reclaim the urn for the first time since 2015 following a 4-1 series loss in Australia last winter. Fleming dismissed suggestions that English cricket is overly preoccupied with the rivalry, stating that his New Zealand heritage gives him an identical drive to beat Australia. His first competitive series on the field will take place in December during the tour of South Africa.

We want to beat the Aussies. We're heavily linked to England performances. We have a deep desire to beat Australia in everything, as the little cousin. We are linked, and I'm incredibly excited about being part of it.

Clarifying Ben Stokes' retirement

Speculation regarding a potential return to international cricket for former captain Ben Stokes was dismissed by Fleming following a meeting in Durham. Stokes stepped down earlier in the summer after four years as Test captain, though England managing director of cricket Rob Key had previously declined to rule out a recall. The 35-year-old all-rounder recently helped Durham secure the County Championship Division Two title and agreed to play for Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League. Fleming confirmed he would not pressure Stokes to reconsider, stating that he respects the player's personal decision.

To try to turn that around and question that is wrong. I know how much goes into that type of decision, and I respect that.

Team standards and domestic relations

Fleming also addressed squad discipline, working with senior batsman Joe Root to re-establish standards following several off-field controversies over the past year. These incidents included Harry Brook's altercation with a nightclub bouncer, Ben Duckett being videoed intoxicated in Australia, curfew breaches by Stokes and Gus Atkinson, and a police inquiry involving Brydon Carse in Derby. Fleming affirmed that while Carse remains available for selection, performance must align with conduct standards. To rebuild ties with domestic cricket, Fleming conducted a tour across the county game, visiting five County Championship matches in three days.