Amidst speculations about Matthew Mott stepping down as head coach of the limited-overs teams following semifinal exit from T20 World Cup 2024, ODI World Cup 2019-winning captain Eoin Morgan has categorically denied reports of him taking up the role. Morgan is open to the coaching role in the future but currently wants to focus on his young family and enjoy his time as a broadcaster. The former England captain was surprised by the reports.
"This news is actually news to me," he said while commentating for Sky Sports on the opening day of The Hundred 2024. "It's obviously not nice when a coach comes under fire and there is a lot of speculation about his future, but only time will tell what will happen."
Mott's four-year contract is nowhere near completion. He won the T20 World Cup 2022 months after his appointment. However, England's early exit from ODI World Cup 2023 raised a few eyebrows. Meanwhile, England's managing director Rob Key said he would review T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal exit which is currently underway.
Morgan feels the timing is not right for him to take the top position. He is happy watching and commentating on cricket for now.
"I've been asked a lot [in the media] over the past couple of months about the role, and if I would take it on," the 37-year-old said. "My answer has simply been that the timing for everything in my life at the moment is not right. Yes, I want to coach down the line. But I have a young family, and I spend a lot more time at home and watching cricket doing this [commentary]. I'm absolutely loving what I'm doing."
England’s next white-ball series
England are currently playing West Indies in the three-Test series. It will be followed by a Test series starting in August at home against Sri Lanka. The next white-ball series will be against Australia in September. Australia have already announced their T20I and ODI squads for UK tour. It will be interesting to see if Mott is removed as head coach during the long break from white-ball cricket or stays on months ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.
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