‘Exciting prospect but there has been no formal approach’ – Kumar Sangakkara on taking England’s white-ball coaching role

Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Kumar Sangakkara said that the prospect of coaching England in white-ball cricket is “exciting” but informed that there has been no formal approach regarding the role.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are searching for a new white-ball head coach after Matthew Mott stepped down from his role on Tuesday, July 30, with the Australian having helmed two dismal title defenses at both the 2023 ODI World Cup and June’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, former England batter Marcus Trescothick, the assistant coach in Mott’s reign, was announced as the interim head coach for the white-ball home series against Australia in September.

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Sangakkara is reportedly one of the contenders to take up the prestigious role of England’s white-ball coach full-time. The Director of Cricket and head coach of Rajasthan Royals has worked closely with England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Sri Lankan legend, however, didn’t give too much away regarding his possibility of coaching the Three Lions.

“Well, I know (my name) has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such. I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there. I think Matthew Mott has done a really good job,” Sangakkara, a member of Sky Sports’ commentary team for The Hundred, said as quoted by NDTV.

The 46-year-old was happy to see Buttler continuing as the skipper of the white-ball teams. Sangakkara also commended Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, for his vision for England cricket.

“It is great that Jos Buttler is staying in that leadership role as the side progresses because it is a nice time from what the side is — and was — and how it wants to progress in the future. I think the decision-making in the England camp has been spot on. I really love the leadership that Rob Key has provided…I think he has been a really smart, practical man, very commonsensical in terms of how he makes decisions and very forward-thinking in how he has set the vision for England cricket,” the Matale-born stated.

Also Read: Michael Atherton backs Andy Flower as England’s next white-ball coach

The former Sri Lankan captain asserted that he is happy with his role with the inaugural IPL champions – Rajasthan Royals.

“I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years,” the southpaw said.