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England are set to begin their white-ball revamp following their dismal run since the 2022 T20 World Cup. The positions of Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott as captain and head coach, respectively, were under scrutiny despite a semi-final run in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
According to a report by the Telegraph, Buttler is set to be retained as captain to oversee the transition, but Mott is expected to be sacked after only two years at the helm. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Rob Key conducted a review post the team's exit from the Caribbean, and the decision to replace Mott has been the outcome.
The Australian coach's reign saw early success in the form of a T20I series win against Pakistan and the 2022 T20 World Cup triumph. However, since then the journey has gone downhill. England failed to make it to the knockouts in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign also saw tame defeats to big sides like Australia, South Africa, and India.
Buttler reportedly prefers the next head coach to have extensive playing experience in the international arena as well as knowledge about the modern-day game. Many of the coaches who work in the Indian Premier League (IPL) fit the criteria, but it remains to be seen whether Mott's successor would be allowed to work in the cash-rich league and juggle international duty as well, particularly with conflict of interest also coming into the picture.
Kumar Sangakkara, the director of cricket with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is touted as an early candidate. The former Sri Lanka skipper also has a close working relationship with Buttler over the years within the franchise in the IPL. Another contender is in the form of Michael Hussey, who has served as a consultant in the past and is currently in charge of the Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
Some outside candidates involve former England players Andrew Flintoff and Jonathan Trott. The former all-rounder has held an unofficial post in the England backroom for a while now and recently landed his first major coaching gig with the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred 2024.
Trott, on the other hand, has worked wonders with the Afghanistan team since taking over. He recently guided the nation to the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final.
The ECB could name Mott's replacement in time for their next international white-ball assignment, which is in the form of a home series against Australia in September.
Buttler's calf injury deemed not as serious as initially thought; set to partake in The Hundred and England's home series against Australia
The England white-ball skipper sustained a calf injury while preparing for a stint with the Manchester Originals in The Hundred. However, scans have shown that there is no tear as originally suspected, which leaves him open to partake in the latter stages of the competition.
This also suggests that he will be available for the white-ball series against Australia. The series proves to be crucial in England's transition as the current shape of the squad shows a lot of aged players.
Australia's tour of England comprises three T20Is and five ODIs, beginning from September 11 onwards.
