David Saker, a former Australian First-Class cricketer, has been named by the England Cricket Board as their fast-bowling coach for the 2025–26 Ashes in Australia. David Saker has held several positions as the national setup’s fast-bowling coach in the past.
This decision follows current fast-bowling coach Tim Southee’s confirmation that he will be leaving to play in the ILT20 following the first Test in Perth. Southee and David Saker will still oversee England’s preparations for the first Ashes Test and the warm-up match against the England Lions.
David Saker will take full responsibility after that.
Paul Collingwood, who will be missing the traveling group for personal reasons, is the only member of the support staff who has not changed.
In the English setting, David Saker had previously been a well-known figure. He was in charge of fast bowling from 2010 until 2015. He had an important role in the backroom crew of England’s 2010–11 Ashes victory, which also happened to be the final time the country overcame their bitter rivals in a red-ball series. Saker also participated in the World Cup, the 2023 Ashes, and the 2022 T20 World Cup in the same year.
When Saker played cricket, he was a very well-known personality in domestic cricket. He took 247 wickets in 72 games at a strike rate of 2.79 and an average of 30.10. The medium pacer bowled with vigor and followed through at the crease.
Since January 2011, the Three Lions have not triumphed in an Australian Test match. They have lost all three of their previous away series: 4-0 in 2017–18, 5-0 in 2013–14, and 4-0 in 2021–22. This time around, the Ben Stokes-led team will be held to high standards.