Cricket

Brendon McCullum, the architect of England's Test resurgence, has embraced the challenge of leading the white-ball teams as well, extending his contract until 2027. The New Zealander, who has instilled an aggressive "Bazball" approach in the Test setup, aims to replicate the success in limited-overs cricket.McCullum's appointment as white-ball coach aligns with a tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in January. He replaces Matthew Mott, who was dismissed after England's disappointing performances in defending their World Cup titles.The 42-year-old McCullum acknowledged the increased workload but expressed his willingness to be judged by results. "It's going to be an added workload, but some bets are worth it," he said. "I'm happy to be governed by results and be in the gun if things don't work out."McCullum's decision to expand his responsibilities was influenced by his growing knowledge of English cricket and the talent available. "A couple of years ago, I didn't have a whole lot of knowledge about English cricket," he said. "But fast forward two years and I've had a great time, I absolutely love being in the position I am in."England's packed schedule, including a T20 series against Australia just 24 hours after the third Test against Sri Lanka, necessitated the split coaching responsibilities. Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the Australia series.However, McCullum believes the workload will ease in the lead-up to the next T20 World Cup in 2026 and the 50-over World Cup in 2027. "I think if we look at the schedule, it is easing," he said. "Now with it easing -- I say slightly -- it can have one person in the role."McCullum emphasized the importance of player and support staff management to ensure the success of the combined coaching role. "We'll have to be smart with stepping (down) players and support staff, including myself, but I don't see it being a problem," he said.

Matthew Mott, the former head coach of the England Men's white-ball team, has joined the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) as an assistant coach on a three-year deal. Mott's appointment comes after his departure from the England setup following their semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.Mott, who previously coached Australia Women for eight years, will reunite with Greg Shipperd at the Sixers, replacing Cameron White, who was appointed head coach of the Melbourne Renegades earlier this year."I'm delighted to join back up with the Sydney Sixers," Mott said. "Having started my coaching journey in Sydney many years ago, it's a place that evokes both great memories and a comforting sense of familiarity, which I'm looking forward to."Mott's spell as England's white-ball coach began with a triumph at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but ended after a disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup and a semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.Prior to his time with England, Mott coached the New South Wales men's side from 2007. His return to the state's system will see him reunite with Rachael Haynes, who was a key member of the Australia Women's team he coached to numerous successes."We couldn't be more pleased to have Motty committed for the next three years with the club," said Haynes, Sixers' general manager. "When the opportunity arises to bring a coach of Motty's calibre into your ranks, it's a no-brainer.""His coaching resume speaks for itself. He has an incredible track-record of success around the world, and he's proven he knows what it takes to build, and sustain, a winning culture."In the recent BBL draft, the Sixers retained James Vince and surprised many by selecting Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan as their last pick. They had previously secured West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Kumar Sangakkara, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has expressed interest in the vacant England limited-overs coaching position but has not yet received a formal approach. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is seeking a new white-ball coach after sacking Matthew Mott following disappointing performances in the 2023 50-over World Cup and T20 World Cup.Sangakkara, who has worked with England captain Jos Buttler at the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, has been linked with the role. However, the 46-year-old has downplayed the speculation, stating that he has not been contacted by the ECB."I know my name has been mentioned, but there has not been any approach as such," Sangakkara told PA news agency. "The England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there."Sangakkara praised Mott's tenure as England coach and expressed admiration for the leadership of Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket. He believes that England is on the right track and that the decision-making has been spot on."I think the decision making in the England camp has been spot on," Sangakkara said. "I really love the leadership that Rob Key has provided...I think he has been a really smart, practical man, very commonsensical in terms of how he makes decisions and very forward-thinking in how he has set the vision for England cricket."Sangakkara, who is currently a member of Sky Sports' commentary team for The Hundred, expressed contentment with his current role at the Rajasthan Royals. He also praised Sri Lankan cricketer Chamari Athapaththu for her inspiring leadership and her recent success in guiding the Sri Lanka women's team to Asia Cup glory.

Matthew Mott's tenure as England Men's white-ball head coach has come to an abrupt end, with the Australian stepping down with immediate effect. Mott's departure marks a significant shift in the team's leadership, following a disappointing performance at the recent T20 World Cup.Appointed in May 2022, Mott's tenure was marked by both triumph and disappointment. He guided England to a memorable T20 World Cup victory in 2022, but the team failed to defend their title this year, bowing out in the semi-finals. Additionally, England's hopes of retaining the 50-over World Cup crown they won in 2019 were dashed at the 2023 edition, where they managed only three wins in nine games.Mott's decision to step down follows a review into the team's recent performances, which saw England drop out of the top three in the ICC T20I rankings. The review, conducted by ECB managing director of England men's cricket Rob Key, concluded that the team needed a new direction to prepare for future challenges.Key praised Mott's contributions to the team, acknowledging his role in England's T20 World Cup triumph. However, he emphasized the need for a fresh approach to address the team's recent struggles.Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the home summer, which includes three T20Is and five ODIs against Australia in September. The search for a full-time replacement for Mott will begin immediately.Mott expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach England, highlighting the team's character and passion during his tenure. He also thanked the players, management, and ECB staff for their support.The departure of Mott leaves a void in England's coaching setup, with the team facing a crucial period in their development. The upcoming Champions Trophy and the next cycle of white-ball competition will test the team's resolve and determine their future trajectory.

Eoin Morgan, the former England white-ball captain, has vehemently denied rumors linking him to the England men's white-ball coaching position, which is currently held by Matthew Mott. Morgan's denial came amidst speculation that he could replace Mott following England's disappointing semi-final exit at the T20 World Cup."This news is actually news to me," Morgan said while commentating on the Hundred for Sky Sports. "It's obviously not nice when a coach comes under fire and there is a lot of speculation about his future, but only time will tell what will happen."Mott, who is halfway through a four-year contract, led England to a T20 World Cup title just six months after his appointment. However, his position has come under scrutiny after England's underwhelming performances in the last two global tournaments.At the 50-over World Cup last year, England won only three out of nine games, with two of those victories coming after their elimination. At the T20 World Cup, they reached the semi-finals but were comprehensively defeated by India.England's managing director, Rob Key, has stated that he will review the team's performance at the T20 World Cup "in the next few weeks." The Times reported that Mott is likely to leave his role and that Key is considering potential candidates, including Morgan.However, Morgan has made it clear that he has no interest in the coaching position at this time. "My answer has simply been that the timing for everything in my life at the moment is not right," Morgan said. "Yes, I want to coach down the line. But I have a young family, and I spend a lot more time at home and watching cricket doing this [commentary]. I'm absolutely loving what I'm doing."Meanwhile, England captain Jos Buttler is expected to miss the Hundred this year due to a calf injury. Manchester Originals, Buttler's team, are reportedly lining up potential replacements.

England's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has cast a shadow over Matthew Mott's tenure as white-ball head coach. Despite reaching the semi-finals, the team's lackluster performance against India has raised questions about Mott's ability to lead England forward.Mott, who is two years into a four-year contract, insists he is the right man for the job. However, his team's inconsistent performances, including a dismal showing at last year's 50-over World Cup, have raised concerns. England's only victory against a Test-playing nation during the T20 World Cup was against Afghanistan.With no major white-ball tournaments scheduled for the next year, England has a 10-week break before their next limited-overs series against Australia. This provides Managing Director Rob Key with an opportunity to assess the team's progress and make crucial decisions.Key faces a series of questions, including whether Mott can reinvigorate the team, if England is making genuine progress under his leadership, and if there is a suitable replacement. He must also consider the future of captain Jos Buttler, who may opt to retire from international cricket.England's performance in the T20 World Cup was a mixed bag. After a shaky start, they put together a strong performance against West Indies but struggled against South Africa. They secured their semi-final spot with a thrashing of USA, but their hopes were dashed by India's dominance on a low-bounce pitch.Mott acknowledged that England "weren't quite at our best" and that they "needed to peak at the right time." However, he believes the team has made progress under his leadership.Despite Mott's optimism, there is a sense that England has lost its aura. The team's identity under Mott remains unclear, and they have struggled to maintain consistency. Key must decide whether Mott has a clear vision for the future and whether he is the right person to lead England into the next phase.

Ahead of England's crucial T20 World Cup match against Oman, head coach Matthew Mott expressed his hope that Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood's comments about eliminating England from the tournament were made in jest.England's victory over Oman in their Group B clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday kept their hopes alive, but they face the risk of elimination. Currently fourth in the group after a no result against Scotland and a loss to Australia, defeat against Namibia in their final match will end their title defense.Australia has already secured a spot in the Super Eight, and if Scotland defeats them on Sunday, the Scots could also advance alongside the 2021 champions.In a pre-match press conference, Hazlewood had stated that eliminating England would be in the best interests of everyone. "In this tournament, you potentially come up against England at some stage again and they are probably one of the top few teams on their day and we have had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket, so if we can get them out of the tournament that's in our best interest as well as probably (that of) everyone else," Hazlewood said, according to ESPNcricinfo.Mott downplayed Hazlewood's remarks, suggesting that they were made in good humor. "To be honest, I was informed of that this morning. Look to me, that is things out of our control and I think I know Josh pretty well and I know his integrity. I do not think that is a thing. He has got a very good sense of humour and hopefully, that is what he was doing," Mott said at the pre-match press conference.Mott emphasized that the team is focused on winning their next game, regardless of Hazlewood's comments or any other external noise. "I know Jos (Buttler) spoke really well yesterday about how we need to push hard in this game as well and I think that is what teams do. Nice, cool, calculated response. It is going to be a good wicket out here by the looks of it. We are going with a lot of confidence, I think. We have played good T20 cricket for a while now. It did not quite come off against Australia in the last game but I think we have got our structure in place, we are really confident. Those who saw us train yesterday, you can see a buoyant group up and about that is ready for the challenge ahead," he added.Mott acknowledged that while England has shown glimpses of its fearless cricket, the tournament has been disjointed for them. He also stated that the team aims to take quick wickets during the powerplay. "I do think it is a different ball game when you do take wickets in the power play, it is something we aim to do and hopefully comes off in this game. It does make your life a lot easier when you can come out of the power play and batters are not set but I think over time we will sort that out and certainly that is a big aim for our guys in this contest out here," he said.

England's T20 World Cup hopes hang in the balance after a disappointing loss to Australia. Head coach Matthew Mott expressed concern over Josh Hazlewood's comments suggesting Australia might manipulate their match against Scotland to affect England's run rate. However, Mott dismissed the remarks as a joke, emphasizing Hazlewood's integrity.Despite the distraction, England remains focused on securing victory against Oman on Thursday. They need to win by a combined margin of 117 runs against Oman and Namibia to improve their net run rate and potentially qualify for the next round.England's performance against Australia was a far cry from their usual standards. They conceded 90 runs without taking a wicket in the first ten overs and struggled to match Australia's intensity. Mott acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We've got to win this game and we've spoken a lot about that."The team's confidence remains high despite the setbacks. Mott praised their training performance and expressed optimism about their ability to perform under pressure. "We've played good T20 cricket for a while now," he said. "We've got our structure in place, we're really confident."England's fate ultimately rests on their own performance. They must defeat Oman and Namibia convincingly while hoping that Australia does not engage in any run-rate manipulation against Scotland. Mott emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than external factors. "We're treating this game with Oman in isolation," he said. "If we get into a position where we're in a dominant position and can push hard, we will."

England's T20 World Cup preparations have taken a psychological turn as they seek to rediscover their winning ways. Head coach Matthew Mott has enlisted the services of Manchester City's psychologist, David Young, to help the team become more emotionally resilient under pressure.Young, who previously worked with England from 2016 to 2020, has been brought back as a consultant ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean. His appointment was influenced by Jos Buttler, who credits Young for his performance in the 2019 World Cup final.Mott believes it is time for England to "get the mojo back" after a disappointing 50-over World Cup last year. He has encouraged the team to be more open and vulnerable with each other, recognizing that they were too insular in India."We've made a commitment to be a bit more open in and around our training sessions, to help each other out a bit more," Mott said. "In India, all of us were guilty of being a bit insular, and trying to problem-solve ourselves."Mott has been impressed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru's resurgence in the IPL, suggesting that England could learn from their aggressive approach. He also acknowledged the criticism from former captain Eoin Morgan, but emphasized that only those within the dressing room can fully understand the team's dynamics.Buttler has indicated that he needs to provide more clarity to certain players, and Mott believes the squad will drive this change. "My style of coaching has always been more of a cooperative approach - keep asking questions on what does their game look like at its best, and if they're veering away from that, to drag them back on track," Mott said.England will confirm their World Cup squad before Saturday's second T20I against Pakistan. Despite niggles for Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood, Mott expects them to be available for selection later in the series. Jofra Archer's return has been delayed by rain, but he is likely to play in at least two of the remaining three T20Is.