LONDON, July 30: Matthew Mott resigned as England’s white-ball coach on Tuesday, leaving assistant Marcus Trescothick in charge while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
Mott’s two-year reign came to an end after Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, decided a “new direction” was needed in an under-performing team.
But captain Jos Buttler, whose position also came under scrutiny after two hugely disappointing World Cup title defences in the space of eight months, has been backed to continue leading the side.
Mott and Buttler won the Twenty20 World Cup together in 2022, within months of starting work together, but the last two tournaments were a major disappointment.
England surrendered the 50-over crown last year in dismal fashion, losing six of its nine games in a joyless trudge around India. Then England was thrashed in the semifinals of last month’s T20 World Cup by eventual champion India.
Trescothick, a hard-hitting England opener, will take over for the visit of Australia in September while a successor is secured.
Highly respected former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has worked closely with Buttler as coach of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, is an early front-runner. He would be seen as the ideal candidate to dovetail with Buttler, but accommodating his franchise commitments could take time.
The vacancy could come too soon for Andrew Flintoff, the fan favourite who has returned to cricket following a life-threatening car crash while filming for “Top Gear,” and is leading Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
Eoin Morgan, Buttler’s predecessor who retired within a few days of Mott taking up the role, has ruled himself out.
“After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead,” Key said. “This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team’s future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.
“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.”
Key thanked Mott. “He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a men’s World Cup with England.”
Mott, who insisted after the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean that he remained the right man for the job, said, “I am immensely proud to have coached the England men’s team; it has been an honour.
“We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.” (AP)
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