Chris Silverwood could be the next to leave England following Ashley Giles departure
- Sean Fisher
- 3 February 2022
As the England and Wales Cricket Board continue to review the disappointing 4-0 loss in the Ashes, Chris Silverwood could suffer the same fate as Ashley Giles.
It was revealed on Wednesday night that Ashley Giles stepped down from his role as managing director.
The news came as a result of the ongoing review taking place following England's disastrous Ashes series, where they lost 4-0.
What's more, the Test team lost a total of nine of their 15 Tests in 2021, while England were also beaten in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in November.
Giles apologised for the poor display Down Under, but insisted that a culling of staff in the board wasn't the answer to England's issues.
Regardless, the former Test spinner stepped down, with former England captain Andrew Strauss taking his role on a temporary basis.
Ashley Giles stands down as Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 2, 2022
Strauss' first task in charge will be to prepare the Test side for next month's three-Test series in the West Indies.
But much of the criticism during the Ashes came down to decision making and team selection - with the blame lying mostly with Silverwood.
Of course, a crowded schedule impacted heavily by Covid-19 can't have helped, but England's rotation policy and line-up selection during the series were certainly controversial.
Following Giles' departure, it only seems a matter of time until the review of the series claims Silverwood as another victim.
Former England captain Michael Atherton said this week that the men's Ashes performances were "a damning reflection on the coaching and managerial positions around the team".
ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison added: "Off the back of a disappointing men's Ashes this winter we must ensure we put in place the conditions across our game to enable our Test team to succeed."
