The ECB has confirmed Chris Silverwood as England’s new head coach after Trevor Bayliss stepped down following the Ashes series. The 44-year-old, who guided Essex to their first County Championship title in 25 years in 2017, has been a part of the England set-up since January 2018 when he was appointed bowling coach.
And, having played just six Tests for England between 1996 and 2002, a “thrilled and honoured” Silverwood is hoping to build on Bayliss’ “great work”, especially in Test cricket. He will take charge for England’s tour of New Zealand starting next month, when they play five Twenty20s and two Tests.
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Former India and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten and ex-England captain Alec Stewart had both been linked with the job, but England director of cricket Ashley Giles is delighted with the Silverwood appointment. “Chris demonstrated in his interview a clear understanding and strategy of how both the red- and white- ball teams need to evolve,” he said.
“He has some detailed thoughts on what it will take to win the Ashes in Australia and win major ICC white-ball tournaments. “I believe he is what we need to take our international teams forward. He is somebody we know well, but it is his intimate understanding of our structures and systems and his close relationships with Test captain Joe Root and white-ball captain Eoin Morgan that will help us develop our plans for the next few years.”
Bayliss, 56, opted to depart after four years in charge off the back of an enthralling summer, in which he helped guide England to their 50-over World Cup for the first time. However, they failed to regain the Ashes from rivals Australia after the five-match series ended in a 2-2 draw.
