Chris Silverwood leaves champions Essex to become England pace bowling coach

By Adam Ellis

After delivering Essex to their first County Championship title in 25 years Chris Silverwood has left Chelmsford to take up the role of England bowling coach.

The Guardian reported Silverwood will become the full-time replacement within Trevor Bayliss‘ set-up after Ottis Gibson left at the conclusion of the West Indies series to accept the post of South Africa head coach.

Kiwi Shane Bond had initially been brought in on a consultancy basis but the ECB have sought long-term security by having their offer to Silverwood accepted by the 42-year-old.

A blow for Essex who savioured the sheen of silverware in both seasons Silverwood was in charge after making the step up to the role of head coach in 2016, following the departure of Paul Grayson in September 2015.

As the back-to-back title champions head into the close season with Anthony McGrath in interim charge, the situation surrounding when Silverwood will start his role remains unclear as things stand.

Bond is contracted until the end of the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval and it is not yet known how Silverwood will be integrated into preparations for the Ashes, if at all.