Cricket May 01, 2026

Luke Wright: England announce first post-Ashes change with national selector to step down after T20 World Cup

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Luke Wright: England announce first post-Ashes change with national selector to step down after T20 World Cup

England men's national selector Luke Wright is to step down from his position following the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.

It is the first change to the England setup following the disappointing 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia, with head coach Brendon McCullum continuing to lead the team into the World Cup.

England managing director of men's cricket Rob Key has also remained in his role, with Wright - appointed in November 2022 - keen to thank Key specifically as he announced his exit.

"It has been a true honour and privilege to serve as an England men's selector over the past three years," Wright said. "I have fully immersed myself in the role and am incredibly proud of the players we have brought through.

"The role demands significant travel and time away from home and with a young family the time feels right to pass the baton on to the next person.

"I now look forward with real interest and enthusiasm to whatever cricketing roles the future may hold.

"I would like to say a big thank you to my colleagues at the ECB, the players and coaches I've worked alongside and especially Rob Key, who trusted me with such a responsibility."

Key added: "I have absolutely loved working with Luke. His contribution to English cricket has been exceptional and I trust his judgement as much as anyone. He has added so much more to this role than just being a selector.

"I'm very sad to see him go and I wish him and his family all the best for the future. I have no doubt that at some stage down the road he will enhance English cricket once again."

Wright's decision comes a day after England announced the return of Troy Cooley as men's elite national pace bowling lead.

The 60-year-old Australian was part of the England coaching team for the famous 2005 Ashes victory before leaving in 2006.

England have not had a full-time fast-bowling coach with the men's senior team since Jon Lewis left the set-up in McCullum's first summer in charge of the Test side, in 2022.

Since then, James Anderson, Tim Southee and David Saker have all worked as ad hoc fast-bowling consultants.

Key, said: "Troy is one of the very best coaches in the world whose record over more than two decades speaks for itself.

"He has coached and developed the best pace bowlers in all conditions and his vast experience and knowledge will not only benefit the England men's team but also help to nurture the next wave of fast-bowling talent."

England have also re-hired Carl Hopkinson as a short-term fielding coach after the team toured Australia without a specialist fielding coach and missed 18 chances across the series.

Sky Sports shows every England home Cricket Test, ODI and T20, exclusively live. or

Tags:

cricket news

Share this article

Related Posts

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of three-match Metro Bank ODI series against New Zealand

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt ruled out of three-match Metro Bank ODI series against New Zealand

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the three-match Metro Bank ODI series against New Zealand as a precautionary measure, due to a...

Women's T20 World Cup: England's Heather Knight says landscape of women’s sport different to 2017 and targets legacy like Lionesses, Red Roses

Women's T20 World Cup: England's Heather Knight says landscape of women’s sport different to 2017 and targets legacy like Lionesses, Red Roses

Heather Knight has told Your Site England's ambition at their home Women's T20 World Cup starting in June is to "create a real legacy for women's cric...

County Championship: Craig Overton's career-best 141 helps Somerset to beat Essex in dominant win at Chelmsford

County Championship: Craig Overton's career-best 141 helps Somerset to beat Essex in dominant win at Chelmsford

Somerset closed out a dominant 10-wicket win over Essex at Chelmsford for a first Rothesay County Championship victory of the new campaign.After Craig...

Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Free live cricket stream of all England, Scotland, Ireland games and final on Sky Sports App

Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Free live cricket stream of all England, Scotland, Ireland games and final on Sky Sports App

Your Site will make all 12 group matches involving England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as the semi-finals and final of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 Wor...

Jude Bellingham invests in Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred: 'I owe the city', says Real Madrid and England star

Jude Bellingham invests in Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred: 'I owe the city', says Real Madrid and England star

Real Madrid and England's Jude Bellingham feels he "owes" the city of Birmingham after he was announced as a new investor in The Hundred's Birmingham...

Ben Stokes: England Test captain targets May return after 'lucky' escape when hit in the face by cricket ball in training

Ben Stokes: England Test captain targets May return after 'lucky' escape when hit in the face by cricket ball in training

Ben Stokes says he plans to return for two County Championship matches with Durham in May, after admitting he had a 'lucky' escape when hit in the fac...