Chris Silverwood: Essex head coach to be England fast-bowling coach

Chris Silverwood played for Yorkshire, Middlesex and England

Essex head coach Chris Silverwood will take over as England fast-bowling coach from January 2018.

Silverwood, 42, replaces former West Indies bowler Ottis Gibson, who has left to become South Africa head coach.

Former England seamer Silverwood, who played in six Tests and seven ODIs, led Essex to their first County Championship for 25 years in September.

He will not be involved in the Ashes, with England using former New Zealand bowler Shane Bond as a consultant.

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"We're delighted to have Chris on board as part of our England coaching staff," said the ECB's director of England cricket Andrew Strauss.

"His record at Essex shows his capabilities both as an outstanding bowling coach but also we will benefit from his experience in all areas of the game."

Silverwood was appointed Essex head coach on a full-time basis in December 2015 and led them to promotion from Division Two in 2016.

John Faragher, Essex County Cricket Club chairman, said: "The club congratulates Chris on his appointment as the England fast-bowling coach.

"He can look back at his time with us with great pride and satisfaction. Winning the County Championship Division Two title last year and then Division One this year was beyond our wildest dreams.

"He has started the next chapter in Essex Cricket's history and has installed a mentality for winning and continuous improvement into the squad."

'A great honour'

"When your country comes calling it's a great honour," said Silverwood.

"As a player I was always motivated by a driving desire to play for my country, and that's been the case again since I moved into coaching.

"The chance to be in that England dressing room in international cricket is so exciting.

"But there is a sadness there in leaving Essex, because of the enjoyment I've had at the club, and the gratitude that if it wasn't for the opportunity and support they've given me, I wouldn't be in this position."

The England squad is already in Australia preparing for the Ashes series, with the first of the five Test matches starting on 23 November in Brisbane.

Silverwood had a prior agreement to travel to Australia in November as part of the coaching set-up of England Lions.

He will fulfil that obligation before formally taking up his bowling role with the senior squad in the new year.