Reports | Chris Silverwood in contention to become next England coach

Post the departure of Trevor Bayliss, England are now in the hunt to identify the next coach and the team's incumbent bowling coach Chris Silverwood seems to have emerged as a prime contender to be handed the role. Last week, it was reported that former India coach Gary Kirsten was set to have talks with ECB to discuss him potentially taking over, but according to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, it is understood that the South African gave a rather underwhelming presentation which seems to have put him on the back foot now.

It is also understood that Kirsten originally notified ECB that he would only be interested if the role was split between red and white-ball coaches, something that has not gone down well with the board. The fact that Kirsten pursued the England job after parting ways with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has also reportedly gotten the ECB thinking.

Now, with Alec Stewart pulling out of the role, Silverwood, who has represented England in 6 Tests and 7 ODIs in the past, has emerged as a potential favourite to take over the job. With him possessing a good CV - he won the championship title with Essex in 2017 - and sharing a great relationship with the players and having a good understanding of the team culture, Silverwood seems to be in the good books of ECB.  

The decision is ultimately set to be taken by Ashley Giles, the Director of England men's cricket, and the former English cricketer is also set to be in the favour of an English coach as compared to an overseas one and this might very well work in Silverwood's favour.