Stephen Fleming, the newly appointed England Test cricket coach, has shared his first detailed comments since taking over from Brendon McCullum. A former captain of New Zealand, Fleming has spoken about various aspects of English cricket, including the team's off-field challenges, the departure of star player Ben Stokes, and his own coaching philosophy. Fleming has acknowledged the difficulties England has faced in maintaining discipline among its players, referencing incidents involving several players, including Brydon Carse, who is eligible to play but must meet specific behavioral standards. Fleming emphasized the importance of setting high standards for players, using Joe Root as an example of a role model for international cricketers. He also spoke about his relationship with McCullum, describing it as respectful and collaborative. Fleming praised the changes that McCullum and Stokes had brought to English cricket, although he noted that the "Bazball" approach—characterized by aggressive, high-scoring play—initially had success but has since faced challenges in recent series. He pointed to the loss of key players like James Anderson and Stuart Broad as factors influencing the team's evolution. Regarding Ben Stokes' decision to retire from Test cricket, Fleming expressed full respect for the choice, noting that Stokes was in a positive mental state when they spoke. Fleming also explained that he did not immediately take charge of the recent series against Pakistan due to personal and family commitments. He emphasized the importance of planning, discipline, and competitiveness in his coaching approach, while also acknowledging the need for flair and creativity on the field. Looking ahead, Fleming is excited about England's upcoming series against South Africa and the Ashes, rejecting the idea that the team is overly focused on beating Australia. He also expressed a desire for England to perform well in the World Test Championship, a global competition that determines the top Test cricket teams. Fleming's comments reflect his commitment to rebuilding and strengthening English cricket with a focus on both discipline and performance.