Stephen Fleming's debut press conference as England Test coach showcased his calm demeanor amidst a tumultuous cricket environment. Despite England's recent 3-0 victory over Pakistan, Fleming emphasized his ambitions, stating, "I would love to be in charge of the No 1 Test team in the world... to be part of the Ashes is an absolute highlight. I can’t wait for that."

Fleming expressed his support for the World Test Championship, highlighting England's need to take it more seriously. He remarked, "If that’s one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket, why would we not be trying to get it?" His predecessor, Brendon McCullum, remains as white-ball coach, and Fleming acknowledged their bond, noting, "You could probably say that I played the big brother role... I have a huge amount of respect for him."

Fleming recognized the challenges faced by McCullum and Ben Stokes in reshaping Test cricket, praising their courage but also noting the need for improvement. He intends to focus on the team's identity and the players' representation of England, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of belonging within the squad.

The coach also addressed the absence of Stokes, respecting his retirement decision, and reflected on his own journey, stating, "I fell back in love with the game... those were three of my best seasons." With optimism, he sees a golden opportunity for upcoming players and reassures Test cricket fans that "Test cricket will survive."

Fleming, who played 111 Tests for New Zealand, feels his extensive experience will help him navigate this new role effectively.