ECB step up coaching recruitments for England men's squads

The ECB have ramped up their search for new full-time batting, pace-bowling and spin-bowling coaches for England's men's teams after formally advertising the three vacant roles.

England have used a number of coaches to fill the roles on a short-term basis since Chris Silverwood's promotion to the head coach job following Trevor Bayliss' departure in October 2019, with Graham Thorpe and Paul Collingwood both mainstays as assistant coaches.

Candidates for the batting coach role may include Jon Lewis (the former Durham coach), Jonathan Trott and Marcus Trescothick, all of whom have worked with England at some point in the last 12 months, with Trescothick the favourite after touring South Africa with the white-ball squads. Graeme Hick, who left his role as Australia's batting coach earlier this year, could be another candidate.

Jon Lewis (the England Under-19s head coach) and Warwickshire bowling coach Graeme Welch are among the prospective applicants for the seam-bowling role, while Jeetan Patel is likely to fill the spin-bowling position, though Richard Dawson, the Gloucestershire head coach, may also apply.

The ECB have not advertised for a wicketkeeping coach to replace Bruce French at this stage, with James Foster likely to continue in the role for the time being.

It is understood that the Rooney Rule will be adopted throughout the process, after the ECB introduced it for all national coaching positions in 2018. Therefore, at least one black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) candidate will be interviewed for each role.

England are likely to bring consultant coaches with them to Sri Lanka, and are not expected to make any full-time appointments until after that series. Applications opened earlier this week, and will be accepted until January 10.