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The position of England men’s white ball coach has been left vacant after Matthew Mott and the England and Wales Cricket Board (RCB) mutually decided to part ways. The announcement was made by the ECB on July 30, with former England opener Marcus Trescothick being handed over the role on an interim basis.
Mott took over the reins in May 2022 and under his guidance, England made significant progress. They won the T20 World Cup in 2022 and also went onto win several white ball series in the next two years. However, their shambolic performance in the ODI World Cup in 2023 and a thrashing against India in the T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024 played a role in the mutual decision.
Both parties have decided that a change in personnel is required for the team to move forward. ECB have already started searching for suitable full time candidates. A selection process will follow in order to decide the full time coach. England will be looking for a suitable candidate who can follow the footsteps of Mott and can take the team to greater heights.
Having said that, let us have a look at three ideal replacements for Matthew Mott for the England coaching job.
#3 Ricky Ponting
Several reports have emerged surrounding the possible candidates who can replace Matthew Mott on a permanent basis. Among some of the names, Ricky Ponting doesn't seem to be in the fray to take up the role but given his coaching credentials and ability to back his players, Ponting might just emerge as a wild card pick.
He was unceremoniously sacked as the Delhi Capitals head coach after the 2024 season where the Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs. Under Ponting, the Capitals failed to win the IPL but he developed a strong core group into world beaters. Ponting was always an aggressive captain during his playing days and that has also reflected on his coaching.
He has a proper method to his madness which can largely benefit the team if the players can inculcate a positive approach. England is in the rebuilding phase in the white ball formats after two disappointing World Cups and Ponting at the helm could be a blessing in disguise.
#2 Marcus Trescothick
The former England opener Marcus Trescothick has been named the interim head coach of the England white ball team. A respected name in the England cricketing circle, Trescothick will oversee the rest of the home summer which includes a highly anticipated white ball series against arch-rivals Australia.
England is slated to lock horns against England in a five-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series in September. Winning against Australia is always touted as one of the biggest achievements for an English player and positive results in these two series might just tempt Robert Key- the managing director of England Cricket to appoint him on a full time basis.
Trescothick’s rapport with white ball skipper Jos Buttler could come in handy while making this decision. Trescothick was in the twilight of his career when Buttler rose through the ranks in Somerset. Key also mentioned in a press conference that the duo share a good rapport and he is hopeful that the partnership will help maintain continuity and stability.
#1 Kumar Sangakkara
Another name which has been doing the rounds is none other than the Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara. What makes him an ideal replacement for Mott is the amount of time he has spent with Jos Buttler at the Rajasthan Royals.
Sangakkara, one of the finest batters to have graced the game could be in line to become England's next white ball head coach. Sangakkara has worked closely with Buttle.
Under his coaching, the Rajasthan Royals have made a steady rise in the points table and also qualified for their final in 14 years in 2022. Coaching a wide range of players and the success he has achieved so far might prompt Key to make Sangakkara the full-time coach.
