Luke Wright will leave his role as a selector after next month’s Twenty20 World Cup in the first major change within the England hierarchy following their comprehensive Ashes defeat in Australia.
Amid speculation over the futures of Rob Key, the men’s director of cricket, and Brendon McCullum, head coach in all formats, Wright has made the call to leave, citing the travel demands of the position with a young family. Wright toured with England during the Ashes but is not present in Sri Lanka. He will fly out for the World Cup, with England’s campaign beginning on 8 February against Nepal in Mumbai.
Wright was hired in November 2022, though not with the traditional position of chair of selectors or national selector, instead forming part of a group including Key, coaches and captains across formats.
Speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast about his position last April, Wright said: “Truth be told, at times captain and coach get exactly what they want. There might be a time when a player’s coming in that I get a final say, or Keysy does.”
On the same podcast Wright – who played 101 white-ball games for England from 2007 to 2014 – defended the approach to selection during his stint, which has involved picking players with limited records in county cricket. “You’re going on your gut-feel sometimes,” said Wright.
“There’ll be people who get picked on what they’ve done in county cricket, and there might be some people, a [Jacob] Bethell, a raw talent where you go: ‘This guy is ready to go.’ To say we don’t value county cricket is not right.”
In a statement announcing his departure, Wright said: “The role demands significant travel and time away from home and with a young family the time feels right to pass the baton on to the next person. “I would like to say a big thank you to my colleagues at the ECB, the players and coaches I’ve worked alongside and especially Rob Key, who trusted me with such a responsibility.”
Key said: “I have absolutely loved working with Luke. His contribution to English cricket has been exceptional and I trust his judgment as much as anyone. He has added so much more to this role than just being a selector. I’m very sad to see him go and I wish him and his family all the best for the future. I have no doubt that at some stage down the road he will enhance English cricket once again.”
