Paul Collingwood will be England’s head coach for their Test series against West Indies next month after being appointed as a stand-in by Andrew Strauss, the ECB’s interim managing director of men’s cricket.
The man who led England to the Twenty20 World Cup in 2010 has been asked to take charge on an interim basis following the post-Ashes clear-out that saw Ashley Giles, Chris Silverwood and Graham Thorpe all lose their jobs in three days last week.
The squad for the West Indies tour is set to be named on Tuesday, with England still reeling from their chastising experience in Australia.
“I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean. I can’t wait to get started” said Collingwood following the announcement
“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.”
Now Collingwood will join Strauss and Root in picking a squad to try begin the recovery from their 4-0 Ashes mauling against a West Indies side they have not beaten in the Caribbean since 2004.
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