Ashley Giles, the ECB’s director of cricket, has backed Chris Silverwood, the current men’s fast-bowling coach, to succeed Trevor Bayliss as England head coach.
Bayliss’ contract expires after the Ashes in September, and Giles is keen on having “internal candidates” for the job. Reports suggest Silverwood is the front-runner among them.
Silverwood joined the men’s team towards the end of 2017 after stepping down as Essex head coach, shortly after guiding them to the County Championship title in their first season after being promoted from Division Two.
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“I think Chris Silverwood would be one of [the internal candidates], which is pleasing because there would be a concern that we just have to go outside,” said Giles.
“We see the same names being bandied around – some very good coaches – but having seen what he did at Essex, it was a remarkable turnaround. They were a bit of a shambles and he came in and in two years turned them around completely.
The idea is to enable all the coaches to be rested as and when required. “I see it as one guy in charge – and prepared for time off – and three assistant coaches, not just one, that work together and help share the burden,” said Giles. “We’ll see the start of that shape going into World Cup.
“Paul Collingwood will be involved in the World Cup, but he is not replacing Paul Farbrace [who leaves for Warwickshire]. I think having one assistant puts a lot of pressure on that person.”
