England sack Chris Silverwood in wake of Ashes disaster

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Head coach joins Ashley Giles in carrying can after disastrous tour of Australia

England have parted company with head coach, Chris Silverwood, in the wake of their 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.

The decision, which had been widely expected after a disastrous trip, comes 24 hours after the sacking of Ashley Giles as director of men’s cricket, and a matter of weeks before England are due to depart for a three-Test series in the Caribbean.

Richard Dawson, currently overseeing England Young Lions at the Under-19 World Cup where they will play India in Saturday’s final, has emerged as a surprise contender to take charge of the Test squad against West Indies, with further interim appointments due in the coming days.

“It’s been an absolute honour to be England Head Coach, and I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside our players and staff,” Silverwood said. “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.

“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.”

Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, added: “During his time in the role Chris has given absolutely everything to make a success of it. He is a man of great integrity, who players and staff alike have enjoyed working with.

“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.

“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.”

More to follow…

Andrew Miller is UK editor of ESPNcricinfo. @miller_cricket

Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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