England’s new red-ball coach Stephen Fleming will carry out television commentary duties for Sky New Zealand during India’s upcoming full tour of New Zealand, with the England and Wales Cricket Board having formally approved the arrangement.
The decision draws immediate attention because it stands in clear contrast to the conditions placed on Brendon McCullum when he took the same coaching role four years ago. McCullum’s initial contract required him to give up his position as a co-host of SENZ radio’s Breakfast Show, a restriction that does not feature in Fleming’s agreement.
Fleming, 53, stepped down as head coach of Chennai Super Kings after 17 seasons at the helm of the IPL franchise before being confirmed as McCullum’s successor in the England Test job in July. He did not take charge for England’s three home Tests against Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick being handed the assignment instead. Fleming had requested permission to delay his formal start so he could spend time with his family, and the ECB agreed.
According to The Guardian, Fleming communicated regularly with Trescothick and England captain Joe Root throughout the Pakistan series, sharing his views on selection matters even before he had officially joined the group.
What does Fleming’s commentary role involve?
Sky New Zealand has assigned Fleming commentary duties for India’s all-format tour, which opens with the first of five T20Is in Christchurch on October 22. The T20I series will be followed by five ODIs and two Test matches. The Tests carry particular significance because both India and New Zealand are competing for a place in the World Test Championship final, making the outcome of those matches consequential well beyond the bilateral series itself.
Root eyes England progress after unusual summer
What is Fleming’s first confirmed assignment as England Test coach?
Fleming arrived in England on Monday, September 14, for a ten-day visit, during which he is scheduled to hold discussions with Root and ECB managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key. The primary focus of those talks is expected to be the three-Test tour of South Africa in December-January, which will be his first series in formal charge of the England side. South Africa are the reigning World Test Championship holders, adding considerable weight to the assignment.
The dual role Fleming will carry during the India-New Zealand tour is without a direct recent parallel in England cricket, given the contrasting obligations written into McCullum’s original deal. The ECB’s decision to sanction the arrangement signals a notably different approach to managing the off-field commitments of its Test coaching staff.
