England have named former fast-bowling coach Chris Silverwood head coach.

Silverwood has succeeded former head coach Trevor Bayliss, whose tenure ended with a 2-2 Ashes series draw earlier this year.

Former Proteas coach Gary Kirsten was also in contention to replace Bayliss.

‘I believe he is what we need to take our international teams forward. He is somebody we know well, but it is his intimate understanding of our structures and systems and his close relationships with Test captain Joe Root and white-ball captain Eoin Morgan that will help us develop our plans for the next few years,’ said England director of cricket Ashley Giles.

‘He has performed exceptionally well during his role as an assistant coach and has the ultimate respect of the players that have worked with him.

‘Chris demonstrated in his interview a clear understanding and strategy of how both the red- and white-ball teams need to evolve. He has some detailed thoughts on what it will take to win the Ashes in Australia and win major International Cricket Council white-ball tournaments.’

The 44-year-old Silverwood played six Tests and seven ODIs for England between 1996 and 2002. England will tour New Zealand and South Africa later this year.

‘I aim to continue the great work that has been done over the past five years and build on our future, especially in the Test arena. I have enjoyed working with the players over the past two seasons, and developing the best crop of talent in the English game,’ he added.

‘I am excited to get started and build teams that the whole game can be proud of. There is a tremendous amount of talent coming through, and there is enormous potential for growth. The hard work starts now, and I am confident we can make a positive impact during our winter tours of New Zealand and South Africa.’

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