Legendary Australian coach David Saker has returned to the England side to reprise his role as pace bowling coach after manager Tim Southee announced his intention to part ways after the Perth Test.
England will advance to face Australia in the Ashes this summer. The Ashes begin with the first Test in Perth on November 21st. The second Test begins on December 4 and bowling consultant Tim Southee will be absent due to a franchise contract.
He will part ways with the England squad after the first Test and join the squad for the ILT20 league in Abu Dhabi. Since then, England continued to search for a bowling coach and finally settled on an Australian coach.
Your daily cricket intake!
David Saker rejoins England as ‘Specialist Skills Consultant’
Former England bowling coach David Saker has been appointed England fast bowling coach for the upcoming Ashes tour. The Australian will reprise the role he played in England’s first away Ashes win in the 2010-11 season 15 years ago, ending his spell since 1987.
However, until Southee departs, Saker and Southie will work together in the warm-up match and opening Test against the Lions in Perth, after which Saker will be in charge of the entire bowling deck.
The rest of the English support staff remains in place under head coach Brendon McCullum, although Paul Collingwood, who is absent for personal reasons, will also miss the Ashes tour. Saker was England’s fast bowling coach from 2010 to 2015 and played a key role in England’s away Ashes win. He was also called up for the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, which they won.
England aim to win their second away Ashes series since 1987
Saker’s appointment was last minute but is a continuation of England’s long-term plan to bring a number of fast bowlers to Australia to intimidate the Australians on home soil. England are aiming to win their second Ashes series on Australian soil since 1987.
A recent trend set by England and adopted globally is characterized by the appointment of coaches on a short-term basis who provide insight into the particular situation in which they will be playing. Just as England employed Mike Hussey and Kieron Pollard at the World Cup in Australia and the West Indies.
England have their fastest seamer back on deck and are ready for a full pace attack. they have something like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tan, Brydon Kearse and Matthew Potts join the team. Only the return of Chris Woakes is still under discussion.
England to continue as mental skills coach for Perth Test
England also confirmed that mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka will also work closely with the England team ahead of the first Test in Perth. He achieved widespread fame after coining the word “no”. It’s a stupid policy. ”
“He’s great,” white-ball captain Harry Brook said of Enoka. “He’s only been in the Test side for a short time, but he’s a great guy. He brings a lot of knowledge to the mental side of the game, which is such an important part of cricket and professional sport. It’s great to have him in our ranks and just to have a five or 10 minute chat with him.”
Enoka was active with the Test team earlier this year and is currently accompanying the England team on their tour of New Zealand.
Also read: Australia vs India – 1st ODI, India Tour of Australia 2025