CHRIS SILVERWOOD has been named as England cricket’s new head coach.
Silverwood takes charge of both England’s red and white-ball teams with the long-term goal of regaining the Ashes in 2021-22.
He has been promoted from the role of Bowling Coach and will fill the void left by Trevor Bayliss.
Speaking after his appointment, he said: "I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed England head coach.
"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.
"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."
His first mission will be five T20s and two Tests in New Zealand, for which England depart on October 21.
Silverwood is likely to retain batting coach Graham Thorpe and fielding guru Paul Collingwood as key figures in his back-room team.
He will appoint a new fast bowling coach to fill his current role, with Ottis Gibson a contender having done the job twice before.
Silverwood has a close relationship with Test captain Joe Root, which counted in his favour as England look to prioritise red-ball cricket.
The former Yorkshire and England speedster made no secret of his ambition when interviewed by team supremo Ashley Giles and feels he has the personality to maintain the relaxed environment generated under Trevor Bayliss.
TINKER WITH PREPARATION
He also believes he can tinker with certain areas of Test match preparation and strategy to improve fortunes on the field.
Silverwood, 44, who coached Essex to the County Championship in 2017, was always the strongest candidate if Giles decided to appoint an Englishman or from inside the dressing room.
He swept past ex-India and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten as favourite to take over from Bayliss.
Kirsten flew to the UK on Monday but failed to impress in his interview, with the response said to be lukewarm.
There were also concerns he has not coached an international team for six years.
In addition, Kirsten has been reluctant to be away from home for long periods and his knowledge of county cricket is also sparse.
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