Jonathan Trott named England Lions head coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Jonathan Trott as head coach of the England Lions for their upcoming tours of the Caribbean, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Trott, 45, replaces Andrew Flintoff, who stepped down in August.

Trott was also asked to oversee the side in an interim capacity during the recently concluded T20 series against Sri Lanka on home soil. This marks his first full‑time role since stepping away from his position as head coach of the Afghanistan men’s team following their T20 World Cup campaign in February.

The appointment brings Trott back to familiar territory. He represented the England Lions in 22 matches during his development as a cricketer before earning his maiden Test call‑up in 2009. Trott understands the value of the Lions pathway and how it can shape opportunities at senior level.

“Having played for the Lions myself, I know how valuable the experience can be in helping players develop, both on and off the field, and it played an important part in my own journey,” Trott said in an ECB press release. “I’m really looking forward to working with the players and staff, helping them fulfil their potential and preparing them for the demands of international cricket.”

ECB Men’s Performance Director Ed Barney believes Trott is the ideal choice, given his knowledge of the Lions development structure and his impressive work with Afghanistan.

“Jonathan Trott is an outstanding coach who has a proven record in international cricket. We are delighted that he has agreed to lead our Lions programme during a busy winter,” Barney said.

“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. Alongside this, we have some key red‑ball fixtures which will continue to provide opportunities to excel on the world stage whilst developing a broad skill set.

“Jonathan’s coaching expertise, and as a former England player who knows the value of the Lions programme having come through it himself, will be invaluable for those players as they look to progress their careers.”