England white-ball coach Matthew Mott has resigned following two failed World Cup defences in the space of less than year.
The Australian took charge in the summer of 2022 and led the side to that year’s T20 World Cup success in his homeland soon after, making England the first men’s side to hold both white-ball trophies at once.
However, the 50-year-old’s reign began to unravel during the dismal 50-over World Cup defend in India last year and though he was backed to remain in charge for the T20 equivalent in the USA and Caribbean this summer, the writing was on the wall when England were outclassed by India in the semi-final.
Notably, though, managing director director Rob Key confirmed Jos Buttler will continue as white-ball captain into September’s ODI and T20 series against Australia, though the 33-year-old is currently sidelined with a calf problem.
“I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour,” Mott said.
“We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.”
The England & Wales Cricket Board will not rush to name a successor, with assistant coach Marcus Trescothick, the former opener, placed in interim charge for the rest of the home summer.
Andrew Flintoff, who has worked with England’s teams regularly over the last 12 months and is currently in his first head coaching role with Hundred side Northern Superchargers, is the early favourite to get the job.
Mott’s departure comes following a meeting with Key last week. He had previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Australia’s all-conquering women’s team but was still a surprise appointment when given the job as England split their red and white-ball leadership.
The nature of the job changed notably when World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan retired just one month into his reign. Morgan has been linked with the now vacant role, but last week insisted the “timing is not right” for him to take the helm.
“After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead,” Key said. “This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team's future success.
“With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.
“The search for a full-time replacement will now begin. It is essential that we go through the right process to ensure we get the best person for the job.”
