MATTHEW MOTT stood down as England’s white-ball head coach today, leaving Marcus Trescothick in charge while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Mott’s two-year reign came to an end after Rob Key, the managing director of England’s men’s cricket, concluded “new direction” was needed in an underperforming team.

But captain Jos Buttler, whose position also came under scrutiny after two hugely disappointing World Cup title defences in the space of eight months, has been backed to continue leading the side.

Mott and Buttler won the T20 World Cup together in 2022, within months of starting work together, but the last two tournaments were a major disappointment.

England surrendered the 50-over crown last year in dismal fashion, losing six of their nine games in a joyless trudge around India, and beat only one full member nation before being thrashed in the semi-finals of last month’s T20 World Cup.

Trescothick, a hard-hitting opener and 2005 Ashes winner, will take over for for the visit of Australia in September while a successor is secured.

Highly-respected former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has worked closely with Buttler as head coach of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is an early frontrunner. He would be seen as the ideal candidate to dovetail with Buttler, but unpicking – or accommodating – his franchise commitments could take time.

The vacancy could come too soon for Andrew Flintoff, the fan favourite who has returned to cricket following a life-threatening car crash while filming for Top Gear and is currently leading Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

Other high-profile names who have been linked include Australia’s Mike Hussey, Jonathan Trott and Simon Katich. Eoin Morgan, Buttler’s predecessor who retired within a few days of Mott taking up the role, has ruled himself out.

Announcing the news, Key said: “After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead.

“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team’s future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.

“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.

“On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket, and me personally, I would like to thank Matthew for all he has done for the team since his appointment.

“He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a Men’s World Cup with England.”

Mott, who insisted after the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean that he remained the right man for the job, said: “I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour.

“We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.

“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories.

“Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world.”