Paul Collingwood, who was appointed as the assistant coach of England national side in 2019, had filled in as the coach during the 2020 Ireland series and recent West Indies series.
With Chris Silverwood sacked in the aftermath of the Ashes annihilation down under, the England and Wales Cricket Board is currently in search of a new head coach. In the meantime, Collingwood will take over as the coach for England’s Test tour of West Indies in March.
Along with Silverwood, Ashley Giles also lost his job as the managing director following a controversial night-out.
Andrew Strauss, the interim managing director, appointed Collingwood as the stand-in head coach for the upcoming tour, where England are scheduled to play three Tests.
Strauss, who’s part of the interim selection committee along with Collingwood and James Taylor, confirmed that Joe Root will continue as the England Test captain. He assured that Root is “100% the right person to take this team forward“.
“I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean. 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,”
said Collingwood.
The former England captain added that he will be looking to give players clarity and freedom to work towards the future. He understands the road ahead is difficult and has discussed it with Root and Ben Stokes.
“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.”
Collingwood is staying in Barbados for holiday and will join the Test team when they arrive in Antigua on February 25. England will play one warm-up match before taking on the Windies in the first Test at North Sound on March 8.
The 45-year-old was the first England men’s captain to win an ICC trophy, the 2010 World T20. He has worked closely with Eoin Morgan since his retirement in 2011.
Although he lacks experience of head coach at the international or county level, Collingwood could be in contention as white-ball coach if the roles are split.
