"Excellent decision": Why Craddock loves England's next Test coach

With Stephen Fleming taking the reins as England’s next Test coach, Robert Craddock has praised the appointment made by the ECB.

After four years of Brendon McCullum being in charge of the red-ball team with their Bazball methodology, the ECB parted ways with him in a Test capacity following a series loss to the Kiwis on home soil.

While McCullum remained in his role with the white-ball sides, the ECB decided to keep the New Zealand theme by hiring New Zealand’s longest-serving captain following an extensive search.

While he hasn’t been in charge of a national side, Fleming has plenty of experience through his time in the T20 franchise circuit, having coached the Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles alongside two BBL Final appearances with the Melbourne Stars.

Following the confirmation of his appointment, the experienced journalist believes it’s a good move.

“Excellent decision,” Craddock declared on SENQ Breakfast. 

“He's a bit special, Fleming. Remember when he was captain in the series against Australia 25 years ago, it was nil-all after three Tests, partly because of his brilliant captaincy against an Australian team who was a wonderful team.

“I've always loved his unpretentious nature.

“He was raised by a single mum, and I remember reading in his book once that when he crashed his bike on his way home from school, he was really worried, not because he'd crashed his bike, but because his mum couldn't afford to fix it.

“He's firm with his players; he doesn't muck around.

“But here's what I do like. He's mentored Brendon McCullum, who's coaching the white ball team; they're business partners in a few different ventures, so they can work together.

“People can bag Brendon all they like, but if you're sticking with him as white ball coach, you've gotta have someone he gets along with, so (it’s an) excellent move.”

Fleming’s first series as coach takes place later in the year when England travels to face reigning World Test Championship champions South Africa in a three-match series.

This means Marcus Trescothick will be interim coach for their upcoming series against Pakistan later in the month. The First Test takes place on August 19 at Headingley.