David Saker Returns as England’s Fast-Bowling Coach for Upcoming Ashes Series

David Saker Returns as England’s Fast-Bowling Coach for Upcoming Ashes Series

England have reappointed David Saker as fast-bowling coach for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, continuing his long-standing association with the national side. The Australian, who played a pivotal role in England’s famous 2010-11 Ashes victory Down Under, will take over after the first Test in Perth.

Saker’s appointment comes as Tim Southee, the current fast-bowling coach, is set to leave the squad after the opening Test to participate in the ILT20. The duo will work in tandem for the pre-series warm-up match against the England Lions and the first Test, after which Saker will take full charge.

Saker’s official designation this time is "Specialist Skills Consultant", but his primary focus will be overseeing England’s fast-bowling unit and offering vital tactical insight into Australian conditions.

A Trusted Veteran Returns

This is not Saker's first return to the England camp. He previously held the fast-bowling coach role from 2010 to 2015, a tenure that included England's last away Ashes triumph. He was also involved in England’s T20 World Cup win in 2022 and worked with the squad during the 2023 Ashes and ODI World Cup campaigns.

His appointment reflects a growing trend in international cricket of hiring short-term, specialist consultants to provide situational expertise. England, for instance, previously brought in Mike Hussey and Kieron Pollard for T20 World Cups in Australia and the Caribbean, respectively. Earlier this year, South Africa enlisted Stuart Broad for insights ahead of the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

High-Powered Pace Battery

Saker inherits what is arguably one of the fastest bowling line-ups England have ever taken to Australia. The squad includes Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts — with additional fast-bowling reinforcements available from the concurrently touring England Lions, such as Sonny Baker, Josh Hull, and Matt Fisher.

England’s managing director Rob Key previously expressed confidence in the pace attack, calling them “a group on the up.”

“We’ve worked so hard to get to this point,” Key said. “It is the last little step. So we get this bit right and hopefully we have every option available to us going into that First Test in Perth.”

Mental Edge: Enoka Returns

Adding to the backroom support is renowned mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, who will work with the squad in the lead-up to the series opener. Known for implementing the All Blacks’ iconic “no dickheads policy”, Enoka has previously worked with the England Test squad and is currently assisting the white-ball side in New Zealand.

England white-ball captain Harry Brook praised Enoka’s presence:

“He’s awesome… He brings a lot of knowledge to the mental side of the game, which is a vital part of cricket and professional sport.”

Squad Updates and Player Insights

Paul Collingwood, who had been away from the England setup during the summer for personal reasons, will not be part of the Ashes support staff. The rest of the coaching group remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, Harry Brook, who is part of the ongoing white-ball tour in New Zealand, spoke candidly about his recent form, admitting he has been “disappointed” with his white-ball performances and is aiming to play more instinctively moving forward.

“I feel like I’ve been premeditating quite a lot. One goal this series is just to play on instinct… When I’m at my best, I’m hitting straight and adapting to line and length.”

Brook managed just one half-century across 11 white-ball innings over the summer but maintained a respectable average and strike rate.

T20 Opener in New Zealand Sold Out

In related news, the opening T20I between New Zealand and England at Hagley Oval is a sell-out, despite chilly October weather and competition from a domestic rugby final. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner called the turnout “pretty outstanding” and confirmed the playing XI, which sees returns for himself and Rachin Ravindra.

New Zealand XI for 1st T20I:

  1. Tim Seifert (wk)

  2. Mark Chapman

  3. Rachin Ravindra

  4. Tim Robinson

  5. Michael Bracewell

  6. Daryl Mitchell

  7. Jimmy Neesham

  8. Mitchell Santner (capt)

  9. Matt Henry

  10. Kyle Jamieson

  11. Jacob Duffy