Joe Root has identified the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England’s new Test coach as a key factor in his decision to return as captain of the national team. Root reassumed the role following Ben Stokes’s retirement from Test cricket after the recent home series against New Zealand.

Fleming took over from Brendon McCullum, who stepped down last month after a four-year tenure as Test coach but continues to work with England’s white-ball sides. Root expressed enthusiasm about Fleming’s vision for the team and his approach to the game, saying the coach’s insight and experience played an important role in his commitment to lead England once again.

The former New Zealand captain, Fleming had a lengthy and successful stint coaching the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, a tenure that lasted 17 years before his departure last month. Root emphasized the value of Fleming’s accomplishments both as a player and coach, describing their shared goal of building a strong and distinctive team.

Root previously served as England’s full-time Test captain from 2017 until 2022 before being replaced by Stokes. He acknowledged the influence of Stokes and McCullum, who advocated for an aggressive and fearless style of play during their respective roles. Root indicated that he and Fleming intend to maintain that attacking mindset as they move forward.

“The last four years have been the most fun I’ve had in professional cricket,” said the 35-year-old Root, reflecting on the period during which he, Stokes, and McCullum worked together. “We did a lot of amazing things. I’ve taken a lot from that, and I feel it will be a big part of how I want to approach things moving forward as a leader of this team.”

England is set to begin a three-Test series against Pakistan in Leeds in two weeks, marking Root’s first assignment back at the helm under Fleming’s coaching.