New England head coach Chris Silverwood has acknowledged that improving the side’s Test fortunes must be his first priority if they are to make a ‘real impact’ in the next Ashes series in Australia.
The 44-year-old was confirmed as Trevor Bayliss’ successor by the ECB earlier this week, and was formally unveiled in front of the press at Lord’s on Thursday.
Though there is a T20 World Cup on the horizon, Silverwood’s tenure is likely to be judged on how England fair in the game’s longer format, with the prospect of regaining the Urn down under in two years’ time seen as the ultimate aim, after a disappointing home draw this summer.
Despite his lack of experience in a lead role at Test level, Silverwood, who led Essex to the County Championship in 2017, is under no illusions about the task ahead.
“Job number one is helping Joe [Root, the Test captain]," he said. "We've got a lot of support around Joe, but to keep moving forward so that in two years' time we can go to Australia and make a real impact.
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"By building on the white-ball success we've already had - and let's not forget we have two big white-ball tournaments coming up - and moving the Test team forward.
"That means batting a long period of time, building on the success we've had in the bowling and becoming more consistent in winning away from home."
Former India and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten had at one stage looked the most likely appointment, amid calls for a proven Test specialist, but director of England men’s cricket Ashley Giles said Silverwood had been the “standout candidate”.
Silverwood has been working as England’s fast-bowling coach since the start of 2018, and his relationships with the team, along with his knowledge of the county game, were seen as key to his appointment.
“I think [there's a good] relationship between myself and the two captains [Joe Root and Eoin Morgan] , and I've got a strong relationship with all the players and backroom staff.
"I understand how the system works, how the team works. That continuity is key.
"The step up will bring a lot more responsibility. Not a lot will change, I'll have to step back a little bit but I want [the players] to know I'm available."
