Cricket Mar 09, 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

Sir Alastair Cook says 'zero contact' regarding England coaching role - but would want to be involved 'at some stage in my life'

Sir Alastair Cook says 'zero contact' regarding England coaching role - but would want to be involved 'at some stage in my life'

Sir Alastair Cook says there has been "zero contact" with England regarding a possible role on the coaching staff - but that he would like to work wit...

England's Harry Brook apologises for 'embarrassing' altercation with bouncer in New Zealand ahead of November ODI

England's Harry Brook apologises for 'embarrassing' altercation with bouncer in New Zealand ahead of November ODI

England's Harry Brook has apologised for "embarrassing myself and the team" after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand last autumn.A...

The Ashes: Joe Root would 'love to' make next tour of Australia at age 39 as Sydney ton hailed 'one of his best'

The Ashes: Joe Root would 'love to' make next tour of Australia at age 39 as Sydney ton hailed 'one of his best'

Your Site' Michael Atherton hailed Joe Root's 41st Test century as "one of his very best innings", but could the 35-year-old keep going for another fo...

The Ashes, Australia vs England: Lack of spin bowling has deprived fans of variety in Test series, says Michael Atherton

The Ashes, Australia vs England: Lack of spin bowling has deprived fans of variety in Test series, says Michael Atherton

We have seen plenty of action throughout an Ashes series played in fast-forward - but not much in the way of frontline spin bowling.England have not p...

The Ashes: Australia vs England, fifth Test: Updates and reaction from series finale at Sydney Cricket Ground

The Ashes: Australia vs England, fifth Test: Updates and reaction from series finale at Sydney Cricket Ground

Colchester in talks to sign Baller League goalkeeper!Latest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:Baller League goalkeeper Melvin Minter is...

The Ashes: Questions for England after Australia defeat - should Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes stay on and who comes into Test team?

The Ashes: Questions for England after Australia defeat - should Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes stay on and who comes into Test team?

With England left to lick their wounds after yet another Ashes drubbing in Australia, we look at the most pressing questions facing the team as they a...