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Eoin Morgan: Changes in cricket mean one-coach model could soon be outdated

by Felix Keith 2 minute read

England ODI captain Eoin Morgan believes the evolution of cricket means it is becoming increasingly difficult for one person to coach all three formats of the game.

Trevor Bayliss is currently in charge of England across Tests, ODIs and T20s, but the Australian is leaving the role at the end of his contract following the World Cup in 2019.

Previous England head coach Andy Flower allowed Ashley Giles to take charge of the two shorter formats and Morgan believes that model is likely to come back.

“Cricket is going to change even more in the next 10 years than it has in the previous 10 years,” he said ahead of England’s ODI series against Australia.

“I’d say, if anything, the formats are getting further and further apart, so I’m open to it (separate coaches).”

Developments in one-day and T20 cricket mean the skills required to play the formats are becoming more and more divergent to those in Test cricket.

Although Bayliss has worked with England in the Test arena, he was hired in 2015 with the mandate of improving the side in the 50-over format.

The recent 4-0 loss in the Ashes means the 55-year-old has won 15 of his 38 Tests – a record which could further influence the next appointment by ECB chairman Colin Graves, chief executive Tom Harrison and team director Andrew Strauss.

But ultimately Bayliss’ tenure – and any future direction – is likely to be judged on how England fare at the 2019 World Cup.

Despite a poor Ashes series and criticism of the team on and off the pitch, Morgan praised the influence Bayliss has had on the side.

“He has been brilliant for us,” he said. “As a coach the one attribute he has is the ability to take the pressure away from any player at a time when you need it and that has helped me massively.”

After picking up a warm-up win over a Cricket Australia XI in Sydney, England begin their five-match ODI series against Australia in Brisbane on Sunday.

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