Chris Silverwood Returns to English Cricket as Oval Invincibles' Assistant Coach

Chris Silverwood has taken his first role in English cricket since being dismissed as England's head coach, stepping in for Azhar Mahmood as one of Tom Moody's assistants at the defending champions, Oval Invincibles, in the Hundred.

Silverwood was removed from his position following England's 4-0 series loss in Australia in early 2022, but quickly found employment with Sri Lanka on a two-year contract. This agreement was extended to cover the recent T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the US. However, Silverwood resigned after the group-stage exit, citing his reluctance to be away from home for extended periods. Now, he will join Moody's coaching team at the Invincibles for the 2024 season, ahead of their opening match on Tuesday against Birmingham Phoenix. Mahmood left his role earlier this year to take a full-time position with Pakistan, and Silverwood will work alongside Matt Walker and Jim Troughton in the men's coaching staff.

James Foster, who was sacked as Northern Superchargers coach last year after the team finished last in the men's competition, will also return to the Hundred this summer. Foster has replaced Paul Collingwood as one of Trevor Bayliss' assistants at London Spirit. Collingwood is unavailable at the start of the tournament due to his Test duties with England.

Additionally, the Spirit have bolstered their women's team's coaching staff, led by Australian Ashley Noffke, by appointing Ali Maiden, the Yorkshire men's assistant coach, and Marc Broom from Sunrisers. Maiden is considered a potential replacement for Noffke when he steps down at the end of the season.

Among the notable coaching changes in the Hundred this year, Andrew Flintoff has taken over as the head coach of the Northern Superchargers in the men's competition, succeeding Foster. Flintoff's debut as head coach will be against Trent Rockets at Headingley on Friday night.