Fleming on England discipline, Stokes, late arrival and coaching styles

Stephen Fleming has given his first interviews since becoming England's Test coach.

The New Zealander, who replaces his close friend Brendon McCullum, spoke at length - covering Bazball, Ben Stokes' departure, England's discipline problems, his own coaching style and more.

Here's what he had to say...

England have been dogged by off-field issues in recent times. Harry Brook was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer last year, Ben Duckett was videoed apparently drunk in Australia, Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke a team curfew and Brydon Carse was investigated by police after an incident in Derby.

Fleming said: "It's been disappointing, because I understand what people are working towards. These events can derail a lot of things and divert attention from what really matters.

"When I look at epitomising an international cricketer and what they should stand for, it's Joe [Root].

"When he sits in an interview and openly expresses his disappointment, or uses "hacked off", I know there's work to be done.

"Also, the belonging, identity, what are we doing here together and how we can be the best version of ourselves. A lot of that work has begun.

"That's one of the key things for me to develop and my work with Joe has begun."

On Carse, specifically, Fleming said the bowler is available for selection but added: "There are standards. We pick on runs and wickets primarily, but I think it's foolish not to also say there are standards that need to be set."

Fleming has a long-standing relationship with McCullum as a former team-mate, friend and business partner. He replaces his fellow Black Cap, whose tenure as Test coach began with stunning highs before turning sour with the Ashes defeat and his sacking this summer.

"He was heart-sore it had worked out that way, but he was incredibly positive about the experience and opportunity.

"He's been unwavering on that. His belief about where these teams can go is strong, and that was a major part when I was talking to him about doing the role.

"I love his confidence and aggressive nature. I'm more measured.

"Somewhere in between we've got a beautiful working relationship with a huge amount of respect.

"I have so much respect for what Ben Stokes and Brendon did for this English side. They changed the landscape of cricket and that's a really powerful thing."

McCullum's side beat New Zealand and South Africa in their first summer before a memorable win in Pakistan. They were unable to win any of their five-Test series against India and Australia, however.

"I was in awe of what that team were doing and how they were doing it.

"The last 12 months, the evolution – teams caught up, there was talent lost, a lot of reasons. That's now my opportunity.

"There was a thousand wickets lost – [James] Anderson, [Stuart] Broad, then [Chris] Woakes.

"When you do something special and you start doing it differently, everybody else takes a bit of time, then they catch up.

"The pressure then goes on to evolution and that can create some challenges. That's my take on it.

"The Ashes wasn't what they wanted and that is what this team is measured on.

"All I can think about is now my opportunity to pick it up, and maybe add my style, which is looking at personality, a little bit more measured."

Stokes, who announced his shock retirement in June, played under Fleming at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Fleming revealed the pair spoke at Durham earlier this week.

Fleming said: "He'd just come off another monster bowling spell.

"He was in a great space, really happy, enjoying his time with Durham.

"He's got a good winter planned with the family and is very much at peace with his decision. When a player makes that decision to retire, I respect that decision 100%.

"To try to turn that around and question that is wrong. I know how much goes into that type of decision, and I respect that."

Fleming was named England coach on 30 July but did not take charge of the recent series win over Pakistan, instead following from home.

Fleming said: "There were commitments and family commitments I had that I just wasn't in a position to break. That's more about me as a person, than dropping everything and coming over here.

"I watched and connected with Joe and the team straight away once it was approved – I've got a stress fracture in my left ear from phone calls.

"Watching remotely, I won't say it was an advantage, but watching them operate with eyes wide open as to what was expected, the opportunity, the challenges, and there was also another part – introducing Joe back into captaincy, and Marcus Trescothick the opportunity to do the head coach's role.

"That's part of why I love the game, bringing people forward, developing people, leadership, and they did brilliantly.

"It gave me an opportunity to catch my breath, and then start pretty fresh with a clear mind about what's ahead."

Though Fleming has extensive experience in franchise cricket, he has never coached a red-ball side. He was New Zealand captain for 80 of his 111 Tests, however.

On the playing style he wants, Fleming said: "If people were watching a team, I'd love people to say they are well-planned, there's a discipline and a really strong basic structure to what we're doing, but there's also a bit of flair.

"That's not necessarily me and the way I played, but it's what I loved about this English side when they started playing like this.

"It's taking the best of that and adding that planning aspect, so if supporters could look at us and say 'yeah, they are disciplined, well-planned and competitive'. That's a good start.

"The greatest thing for a team to do is to be able to play conditions and situations.

"One thing this team has earned is the ability to be positive. One of the other aspects is winning the tough moments and making sure we don't just play entertaining cricket and win moments, but win games."

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?"