ECB Sack Chris Silverwood From Head Coach Role After Disastrous Ashes Campaign

Chris Silverwood has left the role of England men’s cricket team head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday.

If reports from English media are likely to be believed then ECB has sacked Silverwood after England were routed 0-4 to Australia in the Ashes 2021-22 in Down Under. Silverwood’s exit comes a day after Ashley Giles stepped down from the managing director’s position in the England board.

The last two years have been very demanding: Chris Silverwood

Silverwood was promoted from his assistant coach role after 2019 World Cup-winning head coach Trevor Bayliss left the role post-2019 Ashes in England.

The 46-year-old former England pacer said he was honoured to play the role of England team’s head coach and admitted that his tenure was very demanding and challenging.

“It’s been an absolute honour to be England Head Coach, and I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside our players and staff. I want to thank them all for the hard work and commitment they have given during my time in the role and I wish them all the very best moving forward,” Silverwood said.

“The last two years have been very demanding but I have really enjoyed my time with the team and working with Rooty and Morgs, and I am very proud of this group considering the challenges. I leave with fond memories and I am now looking forward to spending some quality time at home with my family and embracing the next chapter,” he added.

Chris Silverwood has led the England Men’s team with great resilience and empathy: Tom Harrison

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison acknowledged the challenges Silverwood faced during his stint with the England national team and thanked him for his services. Harrison also mentioned that a caretaker will be appointed for England’s tour of the West Indies in March.

“Under Chris, England Men’s white-ball teams have been ranked first and second in the world while he also led the Test team to a number of series wins including away in South Africa and Sri Lanka,” Harrison stated.

“He has led the England Men’s team with great resilience and empathy through an incredibly challenging period for English cricket, and he deserves our sincere thanks and gratitude.

“In the coming days Andrew Strauss will appoint a caretaker coach for the tour of the West Indies and will then consider the appropriate coaching structures to help England move forwards,” he concluded.

Richard Dawson, who is in charge of the England U19 team in the ICC U19 World Cup 2022, will be considered for the interim coach’s role. England will start their three-match Test series against the West Indies on March 8 in Antigua.

Also Read: Ashley Giles Steps Down As Managing Director Following England’s Ashes Debacle