Matt Walker yet to decide on England role

Kent head coach Matt Walker, who was supposed to join the England set-up for February’s tri-series against Australia and New Zealand has revealed that he is yet to decide if he will join England’s coaching team. Walker was previously been reported to have turned down the opportunity because of prior commitments with Kent. The 43-year-old gaffer has also worked with the Lions as a guest coach before their third Test against South Africa in July.

The original plan was for Walker to replace England’s assistant coach, Paul Farbrace, for the tri-series section of the tour. It would allow Farbrace a month off during a hectic winter while England will continue their pursuit for a suitable stand-in. However, while Farbrace will be allowed a month to rest, head coach Trevor Bayliss is prepping to take charge of the entire five-month tour.

Walker will let time play out his decision

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, the veteran coach said, “It’s a great opportunity, so we’ll see and I’ll hopefully make the right decision,”

“Obviously my priority is here at the club, but equally an opportunity like that for me and for the club as well to have people associated with England at any level, whether it’s a player or a coach, to go and develop themselves and have that relationship with the ECB is a good thing. I’m going to think about it and make a bit more of a considered decision when it really matters and I’ve got a bit of time,” he added.

Walker, a veteran for almost two decades and a renowned batsman in the county game started his coaching career with Essex as a batting coach. He took over after the position that was left vacated by Graham Gooch, who took the same job with the England side. He later returned to Kent and assisted head coach Jimmy Adams before taking up the job in January 2017.