{
  "id": 8639071,
  "title": "Fleming on England discipline, Stokes, late arrival and coaching styles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/fleming-on-england-discipline-stokes-late-arrival-and-coaching-styles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T07:43:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fleming-england-discipline-stokes-arrival-073436191.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stephen Fleming, England's new Test coach, has given his first interviews since taking over the role from Brendon McCullum. Fleming spoke about various topics, including discipline issues within the team, his coaching style, and his relationship with former England players.\n\nFleming addressed England's off-field problems, stating that recent incidents have been disappointing and detract from the team's focus. He emphasized the importance of belonging, identity, and striving to be the best version of oneself as a team. Fleming specifically mentioned Ben Stokes and Harry Brook as examples of players who need to adhere to high standards.\n\nRegarding his relationship with McCullum, Fleming joked about being a big brother figure to the former teammate and friend. He praised McCullum's confidence and positive outlook on the future of England cricket.\n\nFleming also shared his thoughts on Bazball, the aggressive style that dominated New Zealand's early success under McCullum. He acknowledged the team's early successes but noted that the cricketing world has evolved, leading to a need for adaptation. Fleming expressed his intention to bring a more measured approach to England's gameplay while still maintaining a strong foundation.\n\nThe coaching duo of Fleming and McCullum previously worked together at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, where Fleming led the team to five titles. Fleming revealed that McCullum was in good spirits after his retirement announcement in June, having enjoyed his time with Durham and being at peace with his decision. Fleming respected Stokes' retirement and expressed appreciation for the bond between McCullum and Stokes, noting their significant impact on English cricket.",
  "summary": "Read what England's new Test coach Stephen Fleming had to say about Bazball, Ben Stokes, the team's discipline issues and his own philosophy.",
  "key_points": [
    "England's new Test coach Stephen Fleming addresses team discipline issues.",
    "Fleming praises Ben Stokes and Harry Brook's adherence to high standards.",
    "Fleming plans to adapt England's gameplay while maintaining strong foundation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ESPNcricinfo",
        "title": "Fleming promises evolution not revolution as England era begins",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/fleming-promises-evolution-not-revolution-as-england-era-begins",
        "published": "2026-09-20T07:00:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Fleming on England discipline, Stokes, late arrival and coaching styles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/fleming-on-england-discipline-stokes-late-arrival-and-coaching-styles-8664635",
        "published": "2026-09-20T07:26:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "'Beat the Aussies' - new England coach Fleming's key aim",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/beat-the-aussies-new-england-coach-flemings-key-aim-8639078",
        "published": "2026-09-20T07:43:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}