Stephen Fleming: England Test coach on Bazball, Ben Stokes, team discipline and more

Fleming’s first series in charge is against South Africa in December. After two Tests in Bangladesh and a one-off anniversary Test in Melbourne in the winter, attention will then turn to next summer’s Ashes. Fleming rejected the idea English cricket is too obsessed by beating Australia.

“No, because I have an obsession with it as well,” he said. “New Zealand has an obsession with it, we love it.

“We want to beat Aussie. We’re heavily linked to England performances. We have a deep desire to beat Australia in everything, as the little cousin.

“We are linked, and I’m incredibly excited about being part of it. You don’t think you’re ever going to get that opportunity.

“To have that opportunity and be part of it, I can’t wait. I want to be my best self and have a team that represents itself in the best possible way. I’ve got a vision of that and it’s aspirational. It will be brilliant.”

On the World Test Championship, an event England are yet to reach the final of, he said: “England could do much better than that.

“And even attitude just around the over rate, I think, comes down to identity and style of play.

“And if that’s one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket, why would we not be trying to get it along with every other marquee event that comes our way?”