James Whitaker stands down and next ECB selector faces tough task


Smaller ECB panel puts greater onus on the head coach Trevor Bayliss to have a significant input into England’s fortunes in all versions of the game

Traditionally after an emphatic Ashes defeat the captain or the coach is jettisoned. But this time the response from the England and Wales Cricket Board has been more measured and decorous than usual. Two months after the defeat in Sydney Andrew Strauss has announced a modest shake-up of England’s selection process.

There are obvious reasons why Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss have survived a 4-0 defeat in Australia. Root is a young captain, still coming to the terms with the job. He could be an excellent leader provided he remembers that his prime function is to score stacks of runs.

Related: Trevor Bayliss to stand down as England head coach at end of 2019 Ashes

Related: Jonny Bairstow blasts England to ODI series triumph in New Zealand

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