Luke Wright relinquishes post as England Men’s selector after more than three years following the T20 World Cup.
After the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Luke Wright will resign from his role as England Men’s selector.
Wright told the ECB of his decision after more than three years in the position, stating that he wanted to spend less time travelling.
The announcement comes after England’s two-month tour of Australia ended with a 4-1 Ashes loss.
“It has been a true honour and privilege to serve as an England Men’s selector over the past three years,” Wright said. “I have fully immersed myself in the role and am incredibly proud of the players we have brought through.
“The role demands significant travel and time away from home and with a young family the time feels right to pass the baton on to the next person. I now look forward with real interest and enthusiasm to whatever cricketing roles the future may hold.”
Wright went on to thank his colleagues, players and Rob Key, the ECB men’s managing director, “who trusted me with such a responsibility”.
Key said: “I have absolutely loved working with Luke. His contribution to English cricket has been exceptional and I trust his judgement as much as anyone. He has added so much more to this role than just being a selector. I’m very sad to see him go and I wish him and his family all the best for the future. I have no doubt that at some stage down the road he will enhance English cricket once again.”
Key’s and head coach Brendon McCullum’s positions are under threat following England’s Ashes defeat, as the ECB is currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the campaign.
McCullum is currently in Sri Lanka with the England team as they get ready for the T20 World Cup. On February 8, England will play their first match in Mumbai against Nepal.
When Wright was appointed selector in November 2022, he ended a 20-year professional career with England and Sussex, which included a 2010 T20 World Cup title, at the age of 37.
Wright had previously coached Southern Vipers Women in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Rajshahi Kings in the BPL, and Melbourne Stars in the BBL. He also worked as a performance and talent coach in Auckland and on New Zealand’s support staff.
Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Shoaib Bashir were among the players who made their international debuts in all three formats during his tenure as England selector. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse also made their first Test and T20I appearances.