Mid-Day Opinion: IPL expert Fleming has his work cut out

Stephen Fleming

When Stephen Fleming's departure from the Chennai Super Kings setup became public recently, it was only natural for cricket fans to presume that the quiet New Zealander would step on to a bigger stage to display his coaching abilities. That stage was revealed earlier this week when Fleming ended up getting fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum's job as chief coach of England's Test team.

Sporting results don't always reflect sincere efforts. The most well-worked-out plans can produce unexpected negative results. But there won't be any lack of effort from Fleming. He may not be an in-the-face coach, but Chennai Super Kings' five Indian Premier League titles mean that he has excelled in strategy and man-management. An Ashes win in Australia will form a big part of Fleming's to-do list and that will be his biggest challenge.

It is quite clear that English cricket has a discipline problem, going by the number of off-field incidents team members have been involved with; Harry Brook, Guy Atkinson, and Ben Stokes being latest examples. Fleming will have to rule with an iron hand if he wants all players to fall in line. He may also have to emphasise the need to exercise control while playing aggressive cricket.

There is a difference between being on the offensive and being downright silly. England have paid the price for an excessive implementation of Bazball. Another challenge for Fleming would be dealing with a probing media, who'd watch closely every step he takes. It won't be easy, but Fleming has endured the hustle and bustle of IPL cricket, which can be as stressful as trying to be the best in the longer version. He also needs the rub of the green, which he will undoubtedly welcome.