Chris Eric Wilfred Silverwood, born in Pontefract, Yorkshire, is Essex County Cricket Club’s Director of Cricket, having rejoined the Club in November 2024. Silverwood is an accomplished former England international cricketer and head coach, widely respected for his strategic leadership and expertise in fast bowling.
His professional playing career began with Yorkshire in 1993, where he quickly established himself as a strong and consistent fast-medium bowler. Over a first-class career spanning more than 15 years, Chris played 184 matches, claiming 577 wickets with best figures of 7 for 93.
Silverwood represented England in six Test matches and seven One-Day Internationals between 1996 and 2002, claiming four wickets on Test debut against Zimbabwe. He also featured in the 2002 Ashes Test in Perth. Following his time with his home county, Chris concluded his playing career with Middlesex before transitioning into coaching in 2009.
Chris has an impressive coaching résumé, beginning with Essex Cricket as Bowling Coach in 2010 before becoming Head Coach in 2016. Under his guidance, Essex secured promotion to Division One in 2016 and followed it up with the 2017 County Championship title — the Club’s first in 25 years.
His leadership earned him international recognition, and Silverwood joined the England setup in 2017 as Bowling Coach, before being appointed England Men’s Head Coach in 2019. Following the 2021–22 Ashes series, his tenure with England concluded, and in April 2022 he became Head Coach of Sri Lanka.
Affectionately known as ‘Spoons’, Silverwood led Sri Lanka to Asia Cup victory in his first year and guided them to the 2023 ODI Asia Cup final the following year. His time in charge was praised for enhancing discipline, structure, and the development of the team’s fast-bowling unit.
Silverwood’s full-circle moment came in November 2024, when he returned to Essex Cricket as Director of Cricket, succeeding Anthony McGrath. In his current role, he oversees strategic leadership, player development, and long-term performance planning for the Club.
