Paul Collingwood has been confirmed as England’s interim head coach for next month’s Test series in the Caribbean after last week’s spate of post-Ashes sackings.
Andrew Strauss stepped in as interim managing director when Ashley Giles left, and has acted decisively promoting assistant coach Collingwood to replace Chris Silverwood for the three-Test tour. On Friday, Graham Thorpe, the other assistant coach, was also relieved of his duties.
Collingwood has experience coaching England (he stepped in as head coach for the recent T20 series in Barbados, where he has stayed on holiday), and was the favourite for the role, although there was speculation that Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart could be called upon by Strauss.
Collingwood’s first task is to pick a Test squad – which is expected to be announced on Tuesday – as part of a panel alongside Strauss and James Taylor, the ECB’s head scout. Joe Root, who was confirmed as captain for the tour, and Mo Bobat, the performance director, will also have input in selection.
Collingwood’s backroom team will be announced later in the week, but is set to include Marcus Trescothick and Richard Dawson, who just led England to the Under-19s World Cup final.
“I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean,” said Collingwood. “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.
“I have spoken to Joe Root and Ben Stokes, and both are excited and passionate to take the team forward in this new cycle. Although they know it won't be easy, they have the desire and bravery to do things differently to ensure the team can prosper.
“We have an opportunity to get back on track.”
Strauss will lead the search for a new managing director – a role he filled for three years from 2018 before stepping down to care for his wife Ruth, who died of a rare lung cancer – and decide the structure of the new coaching setup.
Justin Langer, who resigned as Australia coach on Saturday, will be considered, but the job is split along red and white-ball lines.
