Jonathan Trott Named Interim England Lions Head Coach, Emerges as Leading Candidate for Full-Time Role

Former England batter Jonathan Trott has been appointed interim head coach of the England Lions for their upcoming two-match T20 series against Sri Lanka and is reportedly among the leading candidates to take the role on a permanent basis.

Trott will take charge of the Lions after applying for the position advertised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last month. The vacancy opened following Andrew Flintoff’s resignation from the role after he was appointed head coach of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

The 44-year-old Trott recently ended a highly successful four-year spell as head coach of Afghanistan, stepping down after the T20 World Cup in February. During his tenure, Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup and recorded notable victories over Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Trott will lead the Lions in their two T20 matches against Sri Lanka on September 11 and 13. The games will serve as preparation for Sri Lanka ahead of their white-ball series against England, which includes three T20 internationals and three ODIs.

He will be assisted by former England internationals Ravi Bopara and Graeme Swann, while ECB pace-bowling lead Troy Cooley and fielding specialist Carl Hopkinson will also be part of the coaching staff.

Trott’s experience extends beyond international cricket, having also worked in franchise leagues. His successful record with Afghanistan could put him in contention for a future role with England’s senior white-ball setup, particularly when Brendon McCullum’s tenure eventually comes to an end.

Strong Squad Named for Lions

The ECB announced a 20-man squad for the two Lions fixtures on Monday. The squad has been selected in consultation with the counties, allowing players to remain available for County Championship commitments where necessary.

Six players from England’s T20I squad have been included. Tom Banton and Will Jacks are set to return following a quad injury and appendicitis respectively, while James Coles, Aneurin Donald, Jamie Overton and Saqib Mahmood have also been selected.

Henry Crocombe, who is part of England’s ODI squad, will also feature for the Lions.

Three players from England’s Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year — Caleb Falconer, Ben Mayes and Joe Moores — have received call-ups. Lancashire left-arm seamer Luke Wood has also been included after missing out on England’s T20I squad.

Essex all-rounder Paul Walter could make his Lions debut following an impressive Hundred campaign with Manchester Super Giants.

Sri Lanka will enter the series with Charith Asalanka set to deputise as T20I captain after regular skipper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with injury.

England Lions vs Sri Lanka: Fixtures

• September 11: 1st T20 — Chelmsford, floodlit
• September 13: 2nd T20 — Beckenham

England Lions Squad

Tom Banton, Jafer Chohan, James Coles, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe, Aneurin Donald, Caleb Falconer, Tom Hartley, Eddie Jack, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Ben Mayes, Ben McKinney, Joe Moores, Jamie Overton, Matthew Revis, James Sales, Ollie Sykes, Paul Walter, Luke Wood.