Former England boss Chris Silverwood back in county cricket after returning to Essex

Former England coach Chris Silverwood will return to Essex as the county’s new director of cricket.

The 49-year-old is expected to take up his new role in mid-December, taking over from Anthony McGrath who joined Yorkshire last month.

Silverwood has previously spent eight seasons within the Essex coaching staff, culminating in a hugely successful two-year tenure as head coach during which he was promoted to Division 1 in his debut campaign in 2016 before winning the county championship title 12 months later.

After this success, Silverwood left to become England’s fast bowling coach, and he became head coach of the national team in October 2019, a role he held for two and a half years before leaving following a 4-0 Ashes. defeat at the start of 2022.

His most recent role was as head coach of Sri Lanka, but Silverwood said he was excited to return to county cricket.

“It’s a club that holds very special memories for me, with the success we had in 2016 and 2017, and it’s been great to see the success of Anthony McGrath in the intervening years,” Silverwood said .

“There is work to be done within the team, but I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead of us, with a focus on working hard to help develop our local players.”

Meanwhile, Warwickshire have signed New Zealand captain Tom Latham as their first overseas signing for 2025.

The 32-year-old batter, who averaged 38.78 in 85 Tests for the Black Caps, said: “Warwickshire is a club with great history and I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent them .

“I’ve played at Edgbaston before and I know how much the fans support the team there. It’s one of my favorite venues, so I’m excited to call it my home ground for the 2025 season.”