Silverwood confirmed as England's new head coach

Chris Silverwood has been named England's new head coach in all formats, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Monday evening (AEDT).

Silverwood, a former pace bowler who played the last of his six Tests during the 2002-03 Ashes, had served as the national side's bowling coach under Australian Trevor Bayliss, whose four-year reign came to an end last month.

In a release, the ECB said the 44-year-old impressed during the interview process for Bayliss' replacement.

"We have gone through a thorough process and looked at all the options that were available to us. Chris was the standout candidate," said the ECB's managing director Ashley Giles.

“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.

"He has performed exceptionally well during his role as an assistant coach and has the ultimate respect of the players’ that have worked with him.

“Chris demonstrated in his interview a clear understanding and strategy of how both the red and white ball teams need to evolve. He has some detailed thoughts on what it will take to win the Ashes in Australia and win major ICC white-ball tournaments."

Silverwood was identified as the leading internal candidate several months ago but faced stiff competition.

Giles was thought to be keen on Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, before he withdrew on personal grounds.

Strong consideration was also understood to have been given to former South Africa and India coach Gary Kirsten.

Silverwood, who coached Essex to the County Championship title in 2017, said he was "thrilled and honoured" to be appointed.

“I aim to continue the great work that has been done over the past five years and build on our future, especially in the Test arena," he said.

“I have enjoyed working with the players over the past two seasons, and developing the best crop of talent in the English game.

“I am excited to get started and build teams’ that the whole game can be proud of. There is a tremendous amount of talent coming through, and there is enormous potential for growth.

"The hard work starts now, and I am confident we can make a positive impact during our winter tours of New Zealand and South Africa.”

The former Yorskhire paceman, who played seven one-day internationals between 1996 and 2002 in addition to his six Tests, becomes just the second Englishman to take charge of the national side since 1999.

Peter Moores did so on two separate occasions, both unsuccessful, while Giles performed a brief job-share with Zimbabwean Andy Flower in the role of limited-overs coach.

The return to the proposition of a split coaching role has been resisted this time.

However the next England head coach will not face the relentless schedule of that of Bayliss' tenure.

Instead, a three-strong group of deputies would be empowered to take more responsibility, including the playing squad at times.

Batting consultant Graham Thorpe is set to continue in his role, while Paul Collingwood is almost certain to be reappointed after working with the team during the World Cup and Ashes.

Silverwood’s first series in the job will be England’s tour of New Zealand, which gets underway next month.