'I’d love to be no. 1': Fleming lays out England’s Test ambitions ahead of South Africa Tour and Ashes

England’s recent Test victory over Pakistan has offered a timely boost as the team prepares for a new chapter under incoming head coach Stephen Fleming. But the former New Zealand captain has set his sights on a much bigger goal: taking England back to the top of the Test rankings and making the World Test Championship a central part of the team’s ambitions.Fleming addressed the media for the first time since being appointed England’s Test coach, describing the role as one of cricket’s most prestigious. He has signed a contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until September 2030, following a two-week recruitment process.“I would love to be in charge of the No. 1 Test team in the world. That would be my aspiration,” Fleming said, referring to England’s bid to reclaim the top spot for the first time since 2012.His first assignment will be a winter series against South Africa, followed by a home Ashes campaign, an occasion he said he has long admired as a New Zealander.Building an identity and targeting major honoursFleming said he has already begun working with Test captain Joe Root, with an emphasis on shaping England’s identity and building a strong sense of belonging within the squad.“The way players represent England and the group is going to be really important to me,” he said, adding that the team’s style of play would be shaped more by the players themselves.The World Test Championship is also high on Fleming’s agenda. England have yet to reach the final in any of the competition’s first three editions.“England could do much better than that,” he said, describing the WTC as an aspirational target alongside other major events. Fleming added that improving the team’s approach, including its over-rate, would be part of developing a clearer identity.Fleming takes over after McCullum eraFleming succeeds Brendon McCullum, who had been in charge since 2022. England’s recent struggles over the past 18 months have formed part of the backdrop to the coaching change, though Fleming said he sees an opportunity to move the team forward.He said McCullum had been honest about the team’s situation and believed there was still potential within the group."That was one thing that will probably hurt him (McCullum) a little bit (underperformance) - I think he feels what I feel now, that there's an opportunity around the corner. He was also realistic about what had gone on and just very honest. It's interesting when you go to watch as a bystander for the first half of the year, then things change quite quickly to a real narrow focus on where the team was at,'' he said.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.