Silverwood empowered as England revamp men's team selection process

As part of the revamp, the role of national selector will no longer exist. The position had been held by Ed Smith since 2018 and the former first-class and Test cricketer will leave the ECB at the end of the month.

During Smith’s three years in the position, England’s men’s team enjoyed success across all formats, most notably winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019. The team currently sits first in both ODI and T20I cricket, and fourth in Test cricket.

"I would like to personally thank Ed for his contribution to the England men's teams over the past three years,” Ashely Giles, Managing Director of England men’s cricket, said. “Ed's input has helped deliver successes for all our England teams, and he has worked with commitment and professionalism throughout his time as national selector. I wish him well in his future endeavours.”

The new structure, developed by Giles, gives clear accountability to head coach Silverwood.

While Silverwood will have the responsibility of selecting all future men’s squads, he will continue to work with captains Joe Root (Test) and Eoin Morgan (ODI and T20I) when it comes to settling on the final XI.

As part of the new system, former England batter James Taylor will be employed as head scout, having previously served on Smith’s selection panel. Taylor and Mo Bobat, the Men’s Performance Director, will both provide Silverwood with information to aid the selection process.

"The current process of selecting England teams has been in place for over 120 years,” Giles said.

“Even though this system has its merits, with advances in technology and a greater information gathering resource at our disposal than ever before, the restructure is in the best interests of helping England men's teams be successful.

"The new structure also makes lines of accountability much clearer, with Chris Silverwood, as Head Coach, taking ultimate responsibility for picking England senior men's squads."

Smith wished England well on his departure.

"It has been a huge privilege to work with great people trying to help England cricket and I am excited about watching England's continued development,” he said.

"I've been very lucky to work with James Taylor, and I'm delighted that he will remain part of the new structure. My thanks to the dedicated team of scouts and to all the coaches, data analysts, medics and members of the ECB Pathway, who are available every day of the year at all hours to help England's decision-makers.

"England's two captains, Joe and Eoin, have already completed remarkable achievements in an England shirt. England has two men dedicated to playing cricket in a way that makes the country proud. The role of national selector has been enjoyable and rewarding, and that is significantly due to my interaction with all of the England players.

"At such a high point for England cricket, I wish Ashley Giles, the coaches and all support staff good fortune over the coming months. I know how hard Ashley and his team work for England cricket. In particular, I'd like to wish Chris Silverwood good luck and every success going forward.”