Chris Silverwood reveals he will use Ashes defeat to plot Test revenge over Australia with Sri Lanka

Chris Silverwood plans to use the notes from his ‘rough winter’ with England as he plots revenge over Australia with Sri Lanka less than six months after the Ashes defeat that led to his sacking.

Silverwood was axed by England after overseeing the disastrous 4-0 defeat to Australia that culminated in a 146-run defeat in Hobart — and the 47-year-old says he will use ‘various things’ from that experience to help the side he took charge of in April.

Speaking ahead of the first of two Tests against Australia in Galle on Wednesday, Silverwood said: ‘I keep notes on everything.

Chris Silverwood (right) had little to smile about he led England against Australia in the Ashes

England watched on as Australia celebrated cantering to a 4-0 series win in Hobart in January

‘I’m an avid scribbler, so I’ve got my notes on the Australian batsmen from the Ashes. 

‘I’m not going to go too much into the Ashes… but whatever knowledge I can bring from there and try to give to our guys, I will.’ 

Sri Lanka secured three consecutive wins to earn a 3-2 ODI series victory over visitors Australia earlier this month.

Silverwood admitted: ‘I had a rough winter over in Australia. They’re a very difficult team to beat in their own backyard.

The former international has been encouraged by the performances of his new side, Sri Lanka

‘So winning here was very satisfying, but more satisfying for me was the progress of the team that has made their way through this journey so far.

‘Just to see the tactics coming together, to see guys out in the middle scoring runs, to see how we’ve chased totals down.

‘One of the most exciting things is we’re still nowhere near the potential we have in that team, yet we are still pushing the one of the best teams in the world. That’s very exciting and we’ve more to come.’

‘We put the processes there that mean we can beat anybody in front of us. It’s all about putting the processes and tactics in place, making sure that the players are in as good a position as possible to win the games that we need to win.’

Sri Lanka face Australia in Galle on Wednesday and Silverwood feels their potential is evident