Chapple linked to bowling role with England
LANCS HEAD COACH WAS ASKED IF HE WAS INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR JOB LAST SUMMER
GLEN Chapple was asked if he was interested in applying for the England bowling coach’s job last summer.
But the Lancashire head coach says he didn’t even consider the role with him having just taken over at Emirates Old Trafford months earlier.
Former Red Rose captain Chapple is well regarded around the county circuit and with the ECB, and spent a session last summer working with the England players as part of a scheme to get young coaches involved at international level.
His name was linked with the job of England bowling coach following the departure of Ottis Gibson, who became head coach of South Africa.
But Chapple, having taken over the role at Emirates Old Trafford on January 17 in place of Ashley Giles, has revealed he didn’t apply for the England post.
He told M.E.N. Sport: “I was aware the job was coming up and asked if I was interested in applying.
“I wasn’t even a year into the job here at Lancashire and this is my club, so it wasn’t something I even felt comfortable thinking about if I am honest. And at the time it was a very important part of our season, so it just came and went. I didn’t apply for the job.
“There was no suggestion I would have got the job or be near to getting the job, there would have been a few people consulted.”
In the end, Chris Silverwood who led Essex to the Specsavers County Championship title ahead of second-placed Lancashire last season – was appointed as fast-bowling coach by the ECB and he is due to take over next month.
Former New Zealand bowler Shane Bond is being used as a bowling consultant during the current Ashes series.
During his playing career, Chapple took 985 first-class runs, and is seen by many as one of the best bowlers never to play Test cricket for England.
Meanwhile, Chapple believes England have the ability to still avoid defeat in the Ashes, despite Trevor Bayliss’ men trailing 2-0 after the second Test defeat in Adelaide.
However, he admits the venue for the third Test in the series won’t help the Three Lions.
“It has been disappointing,” said Chapple. “It is a really tough place to tour and from what I have seen England have played well for half of each game, which is not enough. “They need to put their best cricket together if they have any chance in the series. “They have a chance, they are a good team and on paper they are as good a side as Australia. “It is difficult to understand what conditions do to teams. “Having a little bit of knowledge of playing in different conditions helps, and just a little mistake can make a huge difference. “England have to adapt to the conditions, and if they do they are good enough to compete. “The problem is the next Test is in Perth and that’s the hardest conditions they will face. “Australia are bowling at their best, although I don’t think our bowling attack is firing on all cylinders. “But I do think our bowling attack is more skilful than theirs, although not as fast. “Both teams’ batting line-ups have shown frailty, Australia’s showed real frailty in their second innings at Adelaide and that’s what our bowlers need to exploit.”
I was aware the job was coming up and asked if I was interested in applying Glen Chapple