Michael Vaughan should've been England Test coach: Monty Panesar questions Stephen Fleming's credentials without MS Dhoni

Michael Vaughan should’ve been England Test coach: Monty Panesar questions Stephen Fleming’s credentials without MS Dhoni originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Monty Panesar feels Michael Vaughan should have been England‘s Test coach over Stephen Fleming.
• He questioned Fleming’s record, crediting MS Dhoni for much of CSK‘s success.
• Panesar backed Vaughan’s leadership and Ashes-winning experience.

Monty Panesar feels Michael Vaughan was better choice for England Test coach role over Stephen Fleming

Former England spin bowler Monty Panesar has raised questions over the decision of the England and Wales Cricket Board to appoint former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the coach for the national side, citing that Michael Vaughan would have been a more fitting option for the position.

As a part of the new coaching structure for Test matches, Fleming has been appointed as the coach for England as the team prepares itself to take on future challenges including the Ashes. But Panesar feels that Vaughan would be a more appropriate option since he has defeated Australia in the 2005 Ashes.

In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Panesar talked about the qualities that make Vaughan a better candidate for the position.

“I think the ECB should have appointed Michael Vaughan. Because he won the Ashes in 2005. He knows how to mastermind (victories) against the Australians. He’s an Englishman, and probably has the best man-management skills that we know. It’s a man-management role,” said Panesar.

MORE:Stephen Fleming wants Aussie Ashes hero as England Test batting coach

Monty Panesar questions Stephen Fleming’s success without MS Dhoni

Fleming has been one of the most successful coaches in franchise cricket, having led CSK to five IPL titles. But, according to Panesar, the leadership of MS Dhoni as a captain and leader has been an important element in helping the team remain consistent.

“They went with Fleming, who doesn’t have the great man, MS Dhoni. What made Fleming a great coach? Dhoni. We cannot forget this. He’s been working with Dhoni for a long time,” Panesar explained.

Together, Dhoni and Fleming have been among the most successful captain-coach duos in the game of T20. Panesar thinks that the coaching abilities of Fleming will be put to test now that Dhoni’s involvement in the team has become less prominent.

“Suddenly, Dhoni is not as active in the IPL as he used to be. And Fleming couldn’t keep Chennai Super Kings at the same level. So, we’ll probably get to know Fleming and how good he is as a coach.”

MORE:Stokes blames himself for McCullum’s sacking as England Test coach

Vaughan’s Ashes experience vs Fleming’s coaching pedigree

Fleming is handed control of England’s Test team at an important juncture as they try to capitalise on the aggressive tactics of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Fleming’s cool-headedness and experience with CSK make him a good choice, although he needs to establish that he can succeed in international cricket away from franchise cricket and MS Dhoni.

The supporters of Vaughan remind us of his leadership role in the famous Ashes triumph of 2005 and his knowledge of English cricket.

However, while captaincy and coaching demand different qualities, the views of Panesar bring into focus the question of whether England needed an experienced franchise coach or a seasoned captain.

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