Matthew Mott steps down as England’s white-ball coach amid reports of Kumar Sangakkara taking over

Jul 30, 2024

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Matthew Mott steps down as England’s white-ball coach amid reports of Kumar Sangakkara taking over

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In a significant development for English cricket, Matthew Mott has resigned as the head coach of England’s white-ball team. This decision comes in the wake of reports suggesting that former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara might be his successor. Mott’s tenure saw both triumph and challenges, notably leading England to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Possible reason behind Matthew Mott’s withdrawal

Mott’s departure follows a period of mixed results for the England team. Despite a stellar win in the 2022 T20 World Cup, England struggled in subsequent tournaments. The team’s recent performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they won only three of their nine matches, was particularly disappointing. This underperformance was a critical factor in Mott’s decision to step down halfway through his four-year contract.

“I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour. We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022. I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories. Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world,” said Mott in an official statement.

Also READ: Brendon McCullum shares his perspective on the growth of England’s Test team after clean sweep against West Indies

Kumar Sangakkara and the IPL connection

As speculation mounts, several reports indicate that Sangakkara is a strong contender to replace Mott. His experience in the IPL, particularly with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is a notable factor in his potential new role. Since January 2021, Sangakkara has overseen the Royals’ cricket operations, guiding the team to the IPL final in 2022.

His strategic acumen and leadership have been highly regarded, making him a suitable candidate to rejuvenate England’s white-ball squad. Further, his familiarity with England’s current white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, who also plays for RR, could provide a seamless transition and strengthen team dynamics.