England limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan has come out and expressed his thoughts on the ECBS’s ongoing search for their next head coach. In February, Chris Silverwood has been relieved of duties a 4-0 defeat to Australia in the 2021/22 Ashes.
Managing director of the England Cricket Board Ashley Giles also decided to resign from his post subsequently, with ex-captain Andrew Strauss taking over the reins as interim director. There are currently rumours which suggest that the ECB might be looking to approach things slightly differently, with two coaches, one for the red-ball side, while the other takes charge of the white-ball squad.
However, the board first needs a new managing director, following which the new coaches will be appointed. The situation looks dire for English Test cricket in particular, even more so after their recent 0-1 loss to the West Indies in a three-match Test series.
Morgan, however looks at the situation differently, his view being that the primary concern should be to appoint a director of cricket first. He even stressed upon the fact that the communication between the two coaches, if the split-coaching system is implemented, must be perfect.
“A lot of people have jumped to conclusions about appointing a coach but the first point of call is to get a director of cricket in place and then the recruitment process starts after that.
The last time we had a split coaching role, things were very different. It was Ashley Giles and Andy Flower under a different managing director of cricket,”
Morgan told ESPNCricinfo.
A lot of names have been doing the rounds in the cricketing circles, with some suggesting that Justin Langer, who recently stepped down from his post as Australian head coach, is among the names being considered for the England job.
World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten is also among the names being discussed, and one of the most stunning reports suggests that Delhi Capitals’ Ricky Ponting might land England job.
Addressing the magnitude of the responsibility resting on the shoulders of the next coach, Morgan added:
“If you are going to change something, the level of expectation around different series and different formats needs to be communicated really well and completely understood by both coaches and both teams.
I don’t have a massive view on it but obviously whoever comes in needs to do a good job,”.
