Paul Collingwood reveals talks with Joe Root and Ben Stokes after being named England interim head coach

New England interim head coach Paul Collingwood says Joe Root and Ben Stokes are ‘excited and passionate to take the team forward’ following this winter’s demoralising Ashes defeat to Australia.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday morning that former all-rounder Collingwood would take temporary charge of the team for the three Test matches against West Indies next month.

Collingwood replaces former England head coach Chris Silverwood, who lost his job in the aftermath of Australia’s emphatic 4-0 win in the recent Ashes series.

Root has also been under pressure after England’s struggles in red-ball cricket continued Down Under, but interim director of cricket Sir Andrew Strauss recently confirmed the Yorkshireman would retain the captaincy.

‘I am genuinely excited to be leading the Test team for the tour of the Caribbean,’ Collingwood said. ‘I can’t wait to get started.

‘Having a challenging Test series against the West Indies straight off the back of the Ashes disappointment gives us a chance from now to reset and rebuild.

‘Playing Test matches for England is the highest accolade in the game. My objective is to give players clarity, direction and encouragement for them to start building something special.

‘I have spoken to Joe Root and Ben Stokes, and both are excited and passionate to take the team forward in this new cycle. Although they know it won’t be easy, they have the desire and bravery to do things differently to ensure the team can prosper.

‘We have an opportunity to get back on track.’

Collingwood has been England’s assistant coach since late 2019 and, in the absence of Silverwood, took charge of Eoin Morgan’s white-ball team in their recent T20 series against West Indies.

England will confirm