Graham Gooch sacked as England's batting coach

Graham Gooch

London, May 1 (IANS) Former England captain Graham Gooch was sacked as the team’s batting coach on Thursday, becoming the first casualty of the Peter Moores era.

Gooch apparently was told by skipper Alastair Cook that he favoured a change in the team management. Gooch had mentored Cook right from his playing days at Essex before joining together again at the international level.

Gooch began working as a consultant batting coach with England in November 2009, a role that became full-time in March 2012. A year later Gooch relinquished the limited overs coach role, handing over responsibility to coach Graham Thorpe, to focus on working with Test players as well as other young players selected for England squads.

Paul Downton, managing director England cricket, said: “Graham has been an outstanding coach for England over the last four and a half years and is held in the highest regard by all those who have worked alongside him. On behalf of everyone involved in England cricket I would like to thank him for his incredible commitment.”

Gooch said he was incredibly proud to work as England batting coach since 2009.

“I would like to thank Andy Flower for affording me the opportunity to be involved once again with England and contribute to the success of the team over these past four and a half years. I have many fine memories from the relationships formed with the players and staff and I know that I have given my best and I have tried to give it every day,” he said.

Gooch said Cook informed him that he was in favour of change.

“Although this was sad news, I respect his, and new coach Peter Moores’ right to implement this change of direction. In my opinion, Alastair is the right man to captain England, he commands respect and will always put his body on the line for his country. I would like to wish Peter Moores and Alastair all the very best as they look to rebuild the fortunes of the England cricket team,” he said.