CHRIS Silverwood says he is 'absolutely delighted' be back at Essex County Cricket Club as their new Director of Cricket.

The 49-year-old has succeeded Anthony McGrath in the role after returning to the club with whom he won the 2017 County Championship title.

Silverwood previously spent eight seasons on the Eagles coaching staff, two of which were as Head Coach, before departing to become England Men’s fast bowling coach after the 2017 title triumph.

Silverwood was initially appointed as bowling coach at The Cloud County Ground in 2010 and six years later, oversaw promotion to division one in his first season as head coach.

 

Less than a year later, the Eagles were toasting a first Championship title in 25 years, with Silverwood at the helm.

The former England international became Three Lions head coach in October 2019, spending two-and-a-half years in charge of the national team.

He would go on to be appointed as Sri Lanka head coach, enjoying a two-year spell that included winning the 2022 T20 Asia Cup and making the final of the 2023 ODI Asia Cup.

Silverwood said: “I’m absolutely delighted to return to Essex.

“It’s a club that holds very special memories for me, with the success we enjoyed in 2016 and 2017, and it’s been great to see the success Anthony McGrath has had in the years in between.

 

"There is work to be done around the squad but I'm really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead, with an emphasis on working hard to help develop our home-grown players.

“Building on the work done by Mags, I’m focused on getting the squad to a point where we have strength in depth, with a strong core of our own local players.”

“I’m excited to get straight to work to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible and that the squad is in the best possible shape to compete on all fronts next summer.”

Silverwood will begin his new role in mid-December.

(Image: PA)

Essex Chair of the Cricket Committee Jason Gallian said: “We’re thrilled to announce the reappointment of Chris, who was the outstanding applicant in a comprehensive recruitment process.

“We were clear throughout that we were focused on making the right decision, not just a quick one, and following this process, we firmly believe we have stuck to that and appointed the best candidate.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Cricket Committee, as well as Alastair Cook on the interview panel, who contributed significantly with their expertise.

“Having spoken to Chris, I know how motivated he is to make his mark in the coming years, and his desire is as high as ever to take on the role of Director of Cricket and lead on the strategic side.

“Within that, he will play a very important role with a talented men’s First XI, and he is focused on winning trophies with this club and growing the game throughout our region.”

“Everyone welcomes Chris back, and we look forward to once again seeing him around The Cloud County Ground and hopefully leading the side to success on the field.”