Jonathan Trott has officially taken over as the permanent head coach of the England Lions for the upcoming winter schedule, as announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board on Monday, September 21.
This appointment follows Trott’s departure from his role as head coach of Afghanistan after their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. During a four-year tenure beginning in 2022, the former England batsman guided Afghanistan to a historic first-ever Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal appearance in 2024.
The 45-year-old previously served as an assistant coach for the England men’s team during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently served as interim head coach during the Lions’ 2-0 T20 series victory against Sri Lanka. He will now lead the squad through a demanding winter program featuring tours to the Caribbean, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
ECB Men’s Performance Director Ed Barney praised the hire, stating that Trott is an exceptional coach with an established international track record and expressed enthusiasm for his leadership during a busy period.
Barney added that the upcoming Lions calendar will place a strong 50-over emphasis across three separate tours to ready next-in-line candidates for one-day international cricket, alongside crucial red-ball matches designed to foster diverse skill development.
A three-time Ashes winner, Trott played 52 Test matches and made 75 white-ball appearances during his playing career with England.
Expressing enthusiasm for his return, Trott noted that having progressed through the Lions program himself, he understands its vital role in fostering player development both on and off the field, and he looks forward to helping staff and players fulfill their international potential. 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. The report also notes that we have some key red-ball fixtures which will continue to provide opportunities to excel on the world stage whilst develop a broad skill set, alongside this.
