England appoint Essex head coach Chris Silverwood as fast bowling coach

Essex head coach Chris Silverwood will take over as England's fast bowling coach in the New Year.

Silverwood will move on from Essex at the end of an incredible season that saw them become county champions only 12 months after being promoted to Division One.

England had been looking for a replacement for Ottis Gibson, who left his role at the end of the summer to become the new head coach of South Africa.

Silverwood is not expected to join up with the England squad for the Ashes, with former New Zealand pace bowler Shane Bond having previously been appointed on a consultancy basis for at least the first two Tests.

The 42-year-old was due to work with the England Lions as bowling coach this winter but that role will now be filled by Jon Lewis, who is currently on the coaching staff at Sussex.

ECB's director of England cricket Andrew Strauss said: "We're delighted to have Chris on board as part of our England coaching staff. His record at Essex shows his capabilities both as an outstanding bowling coach but also we will benefit from his experience in all areas of the game.

"He has also made a significant contribution to our international pathway in the last few years, both on the pace programme and more recently with the Lions as assistant coach to Andy Flower in Sri Lanka last winter.

"That means he has worked with the majority of our young and established fast bowlers, in addition to his knowledge of them from county cricket."

Silverwood was capped six times by England during his playing career, taking 11 wickets, and spent the majority of his domestic career with his home county Yorkshire.

He joined Essex at the end of his playing career in 2010 and spent six seasons as bowling coach before taking over as head coach ahead of the 2016 season, which ended with Essex winning Division Two.

Silverwood told the ECB's website: "When your country comes calling it's a great honour.

"As a player I was always motivated by a driving desire to play for my country and that's been the case again since I moved into coaching. The chance to be in that England dressing room in international cricket is so exciting.

"There is a sadness there in leaving Essex, because of the enjoyment I've had at the club and the gratitude that if it wasn't for the opportunity and support they've given me, I wouldn't be in this position. It's a great club full of great people working really hard, and I've loved working there."