The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday, September 21, that Jonathan Trott has been appointed as the new head coach of the England Lions. The 45-year-old former England batter, a three-time Ashes winner who appeared in 52 Tests and 75 white-ball matches for his country, will immediately step into the role to oversee a demanding winter campaign.
Trott moves to this position after concluding a four-year stint as the head coach of Afghanistan, a tenure that began in 2022. Under his leadership, the team achieved a significant milestone by reaching their first-ever Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal in 2024. He stepped down from that post following the conclusion of their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign.
ECB Men’s Performance Director Ed Barney expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, noting that Trott’s international experience and past involvement with the Lions program make him an ideal mentor for rising talent. Barney highlighted that the upcoming winter schedule, which includes tours of Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, and South Africa, will prioritize 50-over cricket to better prepare players for the international stage, while maintaining essential red-ball fixtures.
Trott is already familiar with the current setup, having previously served as an assistant coach for the England men’s team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, he successfully stepped in as head coach for the Lions during their 2-0 T20 series victory over Sri Lanka. Regarding his new appointment, Trott stated he is delighted to rejoin the England set-up, emphasizing that his own time as a Lions player was a vital part of his career development. He expressed his eagerness to help current players reach their full potential and prepare for the rigorous demands of international cricket. The report also notes that “This winter’s Lions schedule has a 50-over focus across three tours as we look to prepare the next-in-line players for one-day international cricket. The report also notes that “I’m delighted to be back working in the England set-up and hugely excited to take on the role of Head Coach of the England Lions,” Trott said. “Having played for the Lions myself, I know how valuable the experience can.
