Chris Silverwood has been appointed to take over as England’s fast bowling coach in early 2018.
Silverwood played six Tests and seven one-day internationals for England between 1996 and 2002, and in two seasons as the head coach of Essex has guided them to consecutive titles in the Specsavers County Championship, following promotion from Division Two in 2016 with their first Championship since 1992.
“We’re delighted to have Chris on board as part of our England coaching staff,” said the ECB’s director of England cricket Andrew Strauss, after an interview process which also involved England’s head coach Trevor Bayliss, assistant coach Paul Farbrace, fast-bowling lead Kevin Shine and head of coach development John Neal.
“His record at Essex shows his capabilities both as an outstanding bowling coach but also we will benefit from his experience in all areas of the game.
“He has also made a significant contribution to our International Pathway in the last few years, both on the Pace Programme and more recently with the Lions, as assistant coach to Andy Flower in Sri Lanka last winter. That means he has worked with the majority of our young and established fast bowlers, in addition to his knowledge of them from county cricket.”
Silverwood’s appointment means he will step down from the Lions coaching staff for their forthcoming training camp in Australia, where he had been due to work with Flower again.
Following Ottis Gibson’s appointment as South Africa head coach, Shane Bond has already joined the England squad in Perth having been appointed fast bowling consultant for the first half of the Ashes tour, until the end of the second Test in Adelaide.
England will confirm Silverwood’s start date after reaching an agreement with Essex, but he is not expected to join the squad in Australia until January – after the Ashes.
“When your country comes calling it’s a great honour,” he said. “As a player I was always motivated by a driving desire to play for my country, and that’s been the case again since I moved into coaching. The chance to be in that England dressing room in international cricket is so exciting.
“But there is a sadness there in leaving Essex, because of the enjoyment I’ve had at the club, and the gratitude that if it wasn’t for the opportunity and support they’ve given me, I wouldn’t be in this position.
“It’s a great club full of great people working really hard, and I’ve loved working there.”