SILVER LINING
England poised to confirm bowling coach in lead role
ChriS Silverwood is set to be named England’s new head coach and confirmation could come as early as today.
Sportsmail revealed on Saturday that Silverwood — currently in charge of England’s fast bowlers — had emerged from last week’s interview process with the EcB as favourite to replace Trevor Bayliss, pulling clear of South african Gary kirsten.
and it would allow the 44-year-old Silverwood, who coached Essex to their first championship title in 25 years two summers ago, to assume the role in time for the tour of New Zealand, starting later this month.
Details of his contract were being finalised yesterday, but EcB managing director of men’s cricket ashley Giles has been keen to press ahead with the appointment following Bayliss’s departure after the ashes.
The process has not been straightforward. Surrey director of cricket alec Stewart had been in the frame until he pulled out for family reasons, then the EcB were unimpressed by kirsten’s performance at Wednesday’s interview.
The board’s misgivings were compounded by kirsten’s apparent belief he was favourite for the job, while further examination of his scratchy recent record as a Twenty20 coach did not inspire confidence, not least because World Twenty20 tournaments are scheduled for 2020 and 2021.
it would be wrong, though, to suggest Silverwood will have earned the top job by default. having tasted success with Essex — he also steered them to promotion the year before they won the championship — he has made a good impression in his two years as England’s fast-bowling coach.
a Yorkshireman who won six Test caps as one of the quickest bowlers in the county game — with a best of five for 91 against South africa at cape Town in 2000 — he is close to captain joe root.
his profile has been low-key so far, with England’s batting coach Graham Thorpe preferred during the summer as the backroom staff member most likely to attend closeof-play press conferences.
But the EcB believe he will feel more comfortable in the spotlight as his stature grows — a theory that seems likely to be tested in the months and years ahead.