England have reinvented themselves as a white-ball powerhouse since their early exit from the 2015 World Cup, winning the next edition of one-day cricket's biggest title on home soil. But their record in the longest format of the game has been less impressive in recent years, with the final Ashes Test loss in Hobart marking their 15th consecutive Test in Australia without a win.
During his time in charge, the 46-year-old Silverwood was also "head selector" and employed a controversial "rest and rotation" policy, largely because of the demands on players during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of England's selections have raised eyebrows, but the underlying problem has been their consistent failure to make enough runs as witnessed in Australia where they failed to post one score in excess of 300.
Last year England suffered consecutive home Test series defeats by New Zealand and were 2-1 down to India when the final match was postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak in the India camp.
Root's future as Test skipper has come under doubt after the humiliating Ashes capitulation to Australia, with all-rounder Ben Stokes considered a viable option to replace him. British media reported that batting coach Graham Thorpe could also be relieved of his duties after a series of batting collapses by the team in Australia. With Silverwood's exit, England are on the hunt for their third head coach since 2019.
Justin Langer has been linked with the England role and could soon be available after being told by Cricket Australia that he would have to reapply for the job at the end of his contract.
England are due to play three Test matches against the West Indies from March 8 in North Sound, Antigua. Last month, they lost the Twenty20 series 3-2.
England head coach Silverwood steps down after Ashes humiliation
Image: Mike Owen/Getty Images
England head coach Chris Silverwood has stepped down after the team's meek surrender in the Ashes series against Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Thursday.
Silverwood came under pressure after England lost the five-Test Ashes series 4-0, with former skipper Mike Atherton calling for an overhaul of the England management.
The announcement comes a day after Ashley Giles, who appointed Silverwood, left his role as MD.
"It's been an honour to be England head coach and I'm proud to have worked alongside our players and staff," Silverwood said.
"The past two years have been demanding, but I have enjoyed my time with the team and working with Rooty (Test captain Joe Root) and Morgs (white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan), and I am proud of this group considering the challenges."
Former England skipper Andrew Strauss has replaced Giles on an interim basis.
"In the coming days Andrew Strauss will appoint a caretaker coach for the tour of the West Indies [in March] and will consider the appropriate coaching structures to help England move forward," ECB CEO Tom Harrison said.
Australia seal 4-0 Ashes triumph as England collapse in Hobart
England have reinvented themselves as a white-ball powerhouse since their early exit from the 2015 World Cup, winning the next edition of one-day cricket's biggest title on home soil. But their record in the longest format of the game has been less impressive in recent years, with the final Ashes Test loss in Hobart marking their 15th consecutive Test in Australia without a win.
During his time in charge, the 46-year-old Silverwood was also "head selector" and employed a controversial "rest and rotation" policy, largely because of the demands on players during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of England's selections have raised eyebrows, but the underlying problem has been their consistent failure to make enough runs as witnessed in Australia where they failed to post one score in excess of 300.
Last year England suffered consecutive home Test series defeats by New Zealand and were 2-1 down to India when the final match was postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak in the India camp.
Root's future as Test skipper has come under doubt after the humiliating Ashes capitulation to Australia, with all-rounder Ben Stokes considered a viable option to replace him. British media reported that batting coach Graham Thorpe could also be relieved of his duties after a series of batting collapses by the team in Australia. With Silverwood's exit, England are on the hunt for their third head coach since 2019.
Justin Langer has been linked with the England role and could soon be available after being told by Cricket Australia that he would have to reapply for the job at the end of his contract.
England are due to play three Test matches against the West Indies from March 8 in North Sound, Antigua. Last month, they lost the Twenty20 series 3-2.
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