Cricket Feb 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 vs West Indies: Free live cricket stream from ICC T20 World Cup on the Sky Sports App

England vs West Indies: Free live cricket stream from ICC T20 World Cup on the Sky Sports App

Stream England vs West Indies at the ICC T20 World Cup live on the Your Site App.England's second game of the tournament takes place in Mumbai on Wedn...

T20 World Cup: Scotland handed last-minute spot after Bangladesh removed by ICC over refusal to play in India

T20 World Cup: Scotland handed last-minute spot after Bangladesh removed by ICC over refusal to play in India

Scotland have been handed a last-minute place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, replacing Bangladesh in next month's tournament in India and Sri Lanka.B...

Harry Brook: England captain admits to 'terrible mistake' after nightclub altercation but plays down 'drinking culture'

Harry Brook: England captain admits to 'terrible mistake' after nightclub altercation but plays down 'drinking culture'

Harry Brook has admitted he is fortunate to still be England captain after describing his altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before a one-...

T20 World Cup: Scotland 'absolutely ready' after last-minute call-up - but need flights and visas to be issued

T20 World Cup: Scotland 'absolutely ready' after last-minute call-up - but need flights and visas to be issued

Scotland are "absolutely ready to go" at the T20 World Cup after their last-minute invite - provided there are no hiccups with flights and visas ahead...

England Test cricket: How Ben Stokes' side could line up against New Zealand after latest Ashes away defeat

England Test cricket: How Ben Stokes' side could line up against New Zealand after latest Ashes away defeat

Changes will come when England take to the field as a Test side for the first time since a disappointing away Ashes series this winter, but how could...

Damien Martyn: Former Australia cricketer out of coma after contracting meningitis

Damien Martyn: Former Australia cricketer out of coma after contracting meningitis

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has revealed he is out of an induced coma and recovering at home after he was left with a "50-50 chance of survi...