Luke Wright named England men's team chief selector

Former England all-rounder Luke Wright has been selected as the new England Men's selector. Following the conclusion of a coaching assignment with Auckland, he is scheduled to take his position in March next year.

Wright will share his responsibilities of squad selection with England men's managing director Rob Key, performance director Mo Bobat, and player identification lead David Court, in addition to the respective red-ball and white-ball coaches and captains. His observations will also be considered in relation to ECB central contracts.

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Key has introduced the position once again. His predecessor Ashley Giles had disbanded the selection panel, giving then-head coach Chris Silverwood complete authority.

"It's a huge honor and privilege to take on this role, one that I am incredibly excited about," Wright said. "With the Ashes and ICC Men's 50-over World Cup next year, I can't wait to get started and try to contribute after what has been a fantastic year for England men's cricket," he added.

"Off the back of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup win and a successful summer for our men's Test team, I'm delighted that Luke will be joining as England Selector," Key said. "With his significant experience of playing in England and overseas as well as his in-depth knowledge of county cricket, he will be an important voice in squad selection while also helping to identify the next generation of England stars.

"It's an exciting time for England men's cricket, but with the Ashes and the ICC Men's 50-over World Cup next year, there is a lot of hard work ahead if we are to build upon what has been an exciting year."

Wright has also opted to retire from professional cricket in order to concentrate on his new position as the selector. The all-rounder debuted in first-class cricket in 2003 and has appeared in over 400 games for Sussex across all formats. In addition to amassing more than 5000 runs and taking 111 wickets in List A cricket, he assembled 8526 runs and 79 wickets in the shortest format. He also made 101appearences in limited-overs matches for England and was a member of their 2010 T20 World Cup-winning side.

"A huge thank you to Sussex for the most incredible 19 seasons at the club," Wright noted. "I am very proud of what I achieved individually and as a team during my time. I gave my everything, and I hope that showed on the pitch. I will always be a Sussex fan."