Sir Andrew Strauss says England 's interim head coach Paul Collingwood is "definitely" in the running to get the job permanently, describing next month's tour of the West Indies as "a great opportunity" for him to impress.
Three senior members of staff lost their jobs following England's disastrous performance in the Ashes, with managing director Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and assistant coach Graham Thorpe all getting axed.
Collingwood has been appointed interim coach for the three-Test series against the West Indies and is among the contenders to replace Silverwood on a permanent basis, with Strauss saying he is 'definitely one we should have an eye on for a head coach role'.
It is widely expected that England will look to split the head coach role between red and white-ball cricket, with Collingwood more likely to take the reins in ODIs and T20Is.
"For that tour of the West Indies, it’s a five-week tour, it feels like there’s a distinct advantage of having someone who has been part of that set-up already, with an established relationship with players and other support staff," Strauss said.
"Paul obviously deputised for Chris Silverwood out in the West Indies with the T20 team and had done a very good job out there by all accounts.
"He is definitely one we should have an eye on moving forward for a head coach role. It’s an opportunity for him to understand what that job entails and to start this process with the red-ball reset as well.
"He’s the right sort of character to do that. He’s enthusiastic, he’s got bundles of energy and is very clear on how he sees the England Test team playing, so it’s a great opportunity for him."
Collingwood has said he is "excited" about the opportunity to take charge against the West Indies, labelling the series "an opportunity to get back on track" after the disappointment of the Ashes.
"I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean," he said. "I can't wait to get started.
"Having a challenging Test series against the West Indies straight off the back of the Ashes disappointment gives us a chance from now to reset and rebuild.
"Playing Test matches for England is the highest accolade in the game. My objective is to give players clarity, direction and encouragement for them to start building something special.
"We have an opportunity to get back on track."
