England’s struggles in red-ball cricket in recent times have been well documented, having endured a string of losses in the past year, losing to India in two series, before suffering a hammering at the hands of the Aussies in the recently concluded Ashes, which they lost 4-0.
As a result, there has been an outpour of criticism against the board, the English County Cricket system, and the coaching staff. Now, with their backs firmly against the wall, it is expected that the ECB will take some drastic measures to restructure their red-ball system, in order to avoid failure. Some former players and pundits have also criticised The Hundred and even the participation of some English players in the Indian Premier League for their dismal performances although these tournaments might not necessarily be the problem.
Former English captain Nasser Hussain also offered his two cents on the matter and suggested that the side’s current head coach Chris Silverwood must be shown the door. Hussain further went on to propose an interesting name for the job, as he advocated that Australian legend Ricky Ponting be approached to take up the job.
It is indeed unusual that an Englishman would want an Australian coach, but Hussain feels that Ponting is the right man for the job and that he could be the man to take English cricket forward.
Hussain admitted that Silverwood is a very good coach, but also went on to say that too many mistakes have made Silverwood accountable for the debacle that we have seen in English red-ball cricket.
“I like Chris Silverwood and half his reign has come in Covid-19 bubbles. I’ve got a lot of sympathy for that… But too many mistakes have been made and Silverwood is accountable because of the extra responsibility he has for selection.
You can look at the system but county cricket doesn’t make you bat first at Brisbane and leave (Stuart) Broad and (James) Anderson out on a green Gabba pitch,”
he said in a chat with Sportmail.
Silverwood himself has spoken on the matter, saying that he backs himself to do well and that he has proven that he is a good coach. The 46-year-old conceded that there are some reforms to be made but feels that he is worthy to carry on as England’s head coach.
Hussain, meanwhile, believes that the performance of England in 2021 simply cannot be rationally justified and that the team management cannot go into the series against West Indies as if nothing has happened.
Asked if he had anyone in mind for the top job, the former England captain surprisingly mentioned Ponting’s name as the best option, as he hailed the Australian’s brilliant knowledge of the game.
”An alternative? I like Ricky Ponting. Everything I see about him impresses me. He might not have a lot of international coaching experience but he’s got a great cricket brain.
There are a few out there — unfortunately, not many of them English. If Pointing is available he’d be perfect. He cares about cricket and cricketers, he knows the game inside out and has gravitas,”
Hussain said about Ponting.
