Follow UsWith the Ashes approaching fast, David Saker has been appointed as the fast‑bowling coach of the England national cricket team. The announcement had to come as Tim Southee is set to step aside as the bowling coach of the side after the first Test in Perth to join the ILT20 2025 league.
Saker is a familiar figure in the England setup, having previously served as England’s fast‑bowling coach from 2010 to 2015. He also played an important role in England’s 2010‑11 Ashes win in Australia, their most recent series victory Down Under. Saker was part of the coaching staff in major tournaments, including the 2023 Ashes and the ODI World Cup.
He will be working alongside Southee for the initial warm‑up match against the England Lions and the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. After that, Saker will assume full responsibility for the bowling coach role. It is unclear if he'll continue once Southee is done with his season at the ILT20 in the UAE.
The Ashes 2025‑26 kicks off on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth, with the first Test running until November 25. The second Test is a day-night Test scheduled for December 4‑8 at The Gabba in Brisbane, then the series moves to Adelaide Oval for the third Test from December 17‑21. The fourth Test will be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 25‑29, and the final one at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4‑8.
England, meanwhile, have struggled in Australia, having not won a Test there since 2011 and having lost the last three series heavily.