{
  "id": 270672,
  "title": "'He's like me, but better': McCullum's verdict on England's new Test coach Fleming",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/hes-like-me-but-better-mccullums-verdict-on-englands-new-test-coach",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T13:49:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/hes-like-me-but-better-brendon-mccullums-verdict-on-englands-new-test-coach-stephen-fleming/articleshow/133035714.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum praised the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to appoint Joe Root as the Test captain once again, stating that Harry Brook will eventually take the helm in the longest format. Root's return to the Test captaincy follows Ben Stokes' retirement, with many initially expecting Brook to assume the role. Brook has already been leading England's white-ball teams and was considered a frontrunner to replace Stokes. McCullum believes that Root's experience is the right choice while still investing in Brook's leadership development, with the 27-year-old remaining central to the team's long-term plans. McCullum expressed his excitement to work with Brook, stating that he will eventually assume a significant role in the Test format. The leadership change has also impacted the coaching setup, with McCullum stepping down as Test coach and Stephen Fleming, a former Chennai Super Kings head coach, stepping up to lead the red-ball side. McCullum praised Fleming as an exceptional choice, comparing him to himself but better, and expressing his satisfaction with the ECB's decision to secure such a talented individual for English cricket.",
  "summary": "Brendon McCullum endorses Joe Root's reinstatement as the England Test captain, emphasizing that Harry Brook's chance to lead will come naturally in time. McCullum mentioned that England remains committed to nurturing Brook's leadership abilities. Additionally, Stephen Fleming has taken over as the head coach for the red-ball team and is regarded as an exceptional choice to follow McCullum's lead.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Sky News",
        "title": "Andrew Flintoff leaves job as England Lions head coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/andrew-flintoff-leaves-job-as-england-lions-head-coach",
        "published": "2026-08-07T19:13:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Flintoff steps down as England Lions coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/flintoff-steps-down-as-england-lions-coach",
        "published": "2026-08-08T03:38:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}