Ashes 2025-26: England appoint David Saker as fast bowling coach

Published - 18 Oct 2025, 19:01 IST | Updated - 18 Oct 2025, 19:01 IST

The England Cricket Board has appointed former Australian First-Class cricketer David Saker as their fast-bowling coach for the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia. Saker has previously served as fast-bowling coach of the national setup on multiple occasions.

This decision comes after current fast-bowling coach Tim Southee confirming about his decision to depart to take part in the ILT20 after the first Test in Perth. Despite this, Southee and Saker will administer England’s preparations for the warm-up fixture against England Lions as well as the first Ashes Test. From that point onwards, Saker will assume full responsibilities.

The rest of the support staff remains unchanged other than Paul Collingwood who is set to miss out on travelling group due to personal reasons.

Saker has previously been a familiar face in the English setup. He has served as the fast-bowling coach from 2010 to 2015. He was a vital figure in England's backroom staff in their 2010-11 Ashes triumph, which was also the last time England defeated their arch-rivals in a red-ball series. Saker has also been a part of the 2022 T20 World Cup, 2023 Ashes and the World Cup in the same year.

Saker was quite a prominent figure in domestic cricket in his playing days. He picked 247 wickets at an average of 30.10 and strike rate 2.79 in 72 matches. The medium pacer had an energetic bowling action and follow-through at the crease.

The Three Lions have not won a Test in Australia since January 2011. They have lost each of the the last three away series: 5-0 (2013-14), 4-0 (2017-18) and 4-0 (2021-22). There will be plenty of expectations from the Ben Stokes-led side this time around.