Chris Silverwood facing sack as ECB board meet on D-Day for England coach

Andrew Strauss will play a leading part in deciding the fate of England head coach Chris Silverwood following the team’s 4-0 dismantling at Australia’s hands during the Ashes

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Root accepts England need wholesale changes after Ashes defeat

Englandcricket chief Chris Silverwood is expected to learn of his fate in the role as the ECB board of directors meets on Tuesday to dissect the disastrous 4-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia.

The tourists were decimated by their hosts despite two years of preparation for the trip, marking the third consecutive Ashes tour in which England have failed to win a Test in Australia.

Silverwood, 46, and team director Ashley Giles recently sent a series report to former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss —who now chairs the ECB’s performance cricket committee—and chief executive Tom Harrison.

That responsibility means Strauss will have a key say in deciding the future of England’s incumbent leadership following such an embarrassing turn-out Down Under.

Strauss, 44, has given his recommendations for the direction of the team, and it’s expected Silverwood and assistant coach Graham Thorpe will be the likeliest to lose their jobs.

Silverwood attracted criticism for a number of decisions and squad omissions in Australia, namely leaving veteran talents Stuart Broad and James Anderson out of the opening Test.

Jack Leach’s absence from the second Test in Adelaide was also scrutinised, as was that of in-form bowler Mark Wood.

There is a need for some urgency given England are due to travel for a three-Test series against the West Indies in March, the squad for which is set to be announced next week.

Do you think Chris Silverwood deserves to be sacked as England coach? Let us know in the comments section.

In the event Silverwood is sacked ahead of the contest in the Caribbean, Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart is among the front-runners to take charge of the team in an interim capacity.

Assistant Paul Collingwood is another name understood to be in the running to take temporary control for the West Indies series, giving the ECB more time to decide on any potential long-term successor.

Joe Root is expected to retain the captaincy, meanwhile, having received widespread support from team-mates and coaching staff despite the Ashes disappointment.

Strauss—who can make recommendations but is not permitted to vote on board matters himself—is also likely to suggest splitting the duties of England’s Test and limited-overs coach.

This could open up the pool of potential suitors for the head coach position, with former South Africa coach Gary Kirsten having said he would not consider the role if it meant juggling both jobs.

It’s also understood England could be set to revive the role of a selection committee after Giles last year decided to place team selection duties entirely with the head coach.

England are scheduled to depart for Antigua on February 24, but the squad for their West Indies tour is expected to be announced by the middle of next week.