Matthew Mott steps down as England’s coach, replacement named

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday that Matthew Mott has stepped down as the national men’s white-ball head coach with immediate effect.

The decision follows England’s recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where the team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by eventual winners India.

Mott, who met with Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, last week, will leave his role after two years in office.

Appointed in May 2022, the 50-year-old Mott enjoyed immediate success, leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in the autumn of 2022.

Under his leadership, England achieved white-ball series victories against Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan.

Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will take charge on an interim basis for the rest of the home summer.

In September, the team will play a white-ball series against Australia, which includes three T20Is and five ODIs from 11 to 29 September.

Rob Key expressed gratitude towards Mott for his services to the English cricket during his two-year tenure as the head coach.

“On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket and me personally, I would like to thank Matthew [Mott] for all he has done for the team since his appointment,” said Key.

“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. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team’s future success.

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“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.”

Key then announced that Trescothick will lead the side until the board finds a full-time replacement for Mott.

“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler,” added Key.

“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.”

Matthew Mott shared that he is honored to serve England as the head coach and thanked the board as well as players and his support staff.

“I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour. 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,” said Mott.

“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories.”

Meanwhile, Trescothick expressed his excitement to serve in the role of interim head coach.

“I am looking forward to working with Jos Buttler, the players and coaches over the next few weeks. The focus is building towards the series against Australia and our plans for next year’s Champions Trophy campaign,” stated Trescothick.

“England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available. It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Matthew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

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Stuart Broad, Marcus Trescothick named in New Year’s Honours

Former England captain Marcus Trescothick and legendary pacer Stuart Broad were among the sports figures recognised in the New Year Honours, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Friday.

Broad, 37, who retired from cricket this summer with 604 Test wickets to his name, was awarded the highest-ranking Order of the British Empire award – Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

It rounds off a remarkable year for Broad, who left his playing career on a high with the final wicket in England Men’s fifth Test victory in the LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes, and earned himself second place in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Trescothick, 48 – currently Lead Batting Coach for England Men but previously one of England Men’s most successful opening batters – is awarded the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire award Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his work as an ambassador for mental health.

Both Stuart Broad and Marcus Trescothick are seeing their current honours upgraded. Trescothick was awarded an MBE in 2005 after England Men historically regained the Ashes, and Broad initially received an MBE in 2017.

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Chair of the ECB, Richard Thompson, said: “As a whole game we’re absolutely delighted to see Stuart and Marcus honoured in this way.

“They have been fantastic ambassadors for cricket for many years, and they have played a major role in helping build the profile of our game and in turn bringing more people into our sport.

“Stuart has long been an inspirational figure and will be remembered as a true great of English cricket, and the spectacular nature of his retirement this summer was the perfect farewell.

“It’s also so fitting that Marcus has now been recognised both for his achievements on the field and for his bravery in talking so honestly about his own mental health challenges which has helped so many people.

“I would also like to pay tribute to all those hard-working people who have been honoured for their work in cricket. I am delighted to be able to share with them my warmest congratulations, on behalf of everyone in our game.”

Robin Varley, Patricia Gaywood, Duncan Holden and Robert Nellies also received honours for their service to cricket.

Stuart Broad CBE said: “All I ever wanted to do was play cricket, and to have had the career that I was able to enjoy and to receive honours like this is incredibly special. I’m very proud that my contributions to cricket have been recognised, and it means a lot to me and my family.

Marcus Trescothick OBE said: “It’s a huge honour to have been awarded an OBE. I was delighted in 2005 when we were recognised as a team with MBEs but this is very special. I’ve always wanted to let people know my story and to try and raise awareness to help anyone who may be struggling with poor mental health alongside the Professional Cricketers’ Association, so recognition of that work means a lot.”

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