England legend Paul Collingwood named interim head coach for West Indies Test series after Chris Silverwood sacking
PAUL COLLINGWOOD has been named England interim head coach for their West Indies Test series.
The 45-year-old will assume the role for the three-match tour of the Caribbean after Chris Silverwood was sacked following a dismal Ashes series.
Speaking about being appointed on an interim basis, Collingwood said: "I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean. I can't wait to get started.
"Having a challenging Test series against the West Indies straight off the back of the Ashes disappointment gives us a chance from now to reset and rebuild.
"Playing Test matches for England is the highest accolade in the game. My objective is to give players clarity, direction and encouragement for them to start building something special.
"I have spoken to Joe Root and Ben Stokes, and both are excited and passionate to take the team forward in this new cycle.
"Although they know it won't be easy, they have the desire and bravery to do things differently to ensure the team can prosper.
"We have an opportunity to get back on track."
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Last month, Collingwood took charge of the T20 tour of the West Indies.
He is currently taking a break in Barbados but will join up with the rest of the squad when they arrive in the West Indies on February 25.
Along with Silverwood, Graham Thorpe and Ashley Giles have also been axed from the England set-up.
It comes after the Test series side were thumped 4-0 by Australia in the Ashes Series Down Under.
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But captain Joe Root has survived the post-Ashes clearout as he prepares to lead the team once more.
The tour of the West Indies gets underway in Antigua on March 1 with a four-day warm-up match.
The first Test against the Windies then gets underway on March 8.