Cricket Mar 12, 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

The Ashes: Snicko operator admits mistake led to incorrect Alex Carey not out decision during third Test

The Ashes: Snicko operator admits mistake led to incorrect Alex Carey not out decision during third Test

The operator of the Snicko technology being used in the Ashes has admitted a mistake led to Australia's Alex Carey wrongfully surviving an England rev...

The Ashes: Ben Stokes showed England batting template and that he is still up for the fight, says Michael Atherton

The Ashes: Ben Stokes showed England batting template and that he is still up for the fight, says Michael Atherton

After England's two-day pummelling in Perth was followed by a four-day drubbing in Brisbane - where they have still not won a Test since 1986 - Michae...

New Zealand vs West Indies: Tom Latham, Devon Conway make Test cricket history with centuries apiece in both innings

New Zealand vs West Indies: Tom Latham, Devon Conway make Test cricket history with centuries apiece in both innings

Tom Latham and Devon Conway earned a unique place in Test history when their 192-run second innings partnership paved the way for New Zealand's declar...

The Ashes: Ollie Pope's 'chaotic' innings set tone for England latest batting failure in Adelaide, says Nasser Hussain

The Ashes: Ollie Pope's 'chaotic' innings set tone for England latest batting failure in Adelaide, says Nasser Hussain

Ollie Pope's "chaotic" 10-ball stay at the crease set the tone for another England batting failure on day two of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, say...

Tributes paid to Bondi shooting victims in third Ashes Test in Adelaide as Australia captain Pat Cummins says events 'hit home pretty hard'

Tributes paid to Bondi shooting victims in third Ashes Test in Adelaide as Australia captain Pat Cummins says events 'hit home pretty hard'

Australia and England players wore black armbands during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide following Sunday's shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach.Fifteen...

The Ashes 2025-26: Where did it all go wrong for England as Australia retain the urn in dominant fashion?

The Ashes 2025-26: Where did it all go wrong for England as Australia retain the urn in dominant fashion?

England's bid to regain the Ashes is over after three comprehensive defeats in the first three Tests of the five-match series in Australia, but where...