Sports
Stephen Fleming targets the Ashes and No 1 ranking in first press conference as England Test coach
September 20, 2026 at 07:57 AM
Stephen Fleming has addressed the media for the first time as England Test coach, pledging to "beat the Aussies" and pursue the top ranking in world cricket.
- Fleming told reporters England will face Australia in the Ashes in the UK next summer, the first series since their 4-1 defeat last winter.
- Fleming said he will not attempt to persuade Ben Stokes out of retirement, respecting the former captain's decision and describing him as "at peace" with it.
- Derbyshire Police announced they had closed an investigation into an assault allegation against pace bowler Brydon Carse, who now faces a Cricket Regulator investigation.
- Fleming said players must observe behavioural "standards," after late-night controversies marked the final months of predecessor Brendon McCullum's reign.