Moores named as new England coach

Peter Moores has been appointed as the new head coach of the England cricket team, returning to the job he previously held for two years before getting sacked.

The 51-year-old Lancashire coach replaces Andy Flower, who lost the Test coaching role after England’s 5-0 loss to Australia in the Ashes series.

Moores’ disappointing first stint was between 2007 and 2009, during which he endured a difficult relationship with then-captain Kevin Pietersen.

Pietersen’s retirement from international cricket paved the way for Moores’ return.

“I am very excited about the prospect of returning to a role I have done before and to building a strong relationship with Alastair Cook and the rest of the players and staff,” Moores said.

“In any time of change there comes opportunity and this is one I can’t wait to get stuck into.”

Moores said his spell at Lancashire helped him become a better coach and is confident he learned from his mistakes.

Since being England coach first time I’ve had five years at Lancashire. Coaches have to develop and I think I’ve done that, and I’m looking forward to bringing that back here,” he said.

Moores was chosen ahead of current one-day coach Ashley Giles and three other candidates.

Ashley Giles overlooked

Giles, the Ashes-winning spinner, was favourite to land the position but below-par performances at the World Twenty20 sealed his fate.

“I would like to thank all the other candidates who made up what was an extremely impressive shortlist and in particular I would like to acknowledge the work of Ashley Giles, who has made a major contribution to cricket in England and Wales,” said Paul Downton, the managing director of England Cricket.

The new coach’s first match in charge will be a one-day international against Scotland in Aberdeen on May 9, before England hosts Sri Lanka and India.