Jonathan Trott appointed head coach of England Lions, succeeding Andrew Flintoff

Jonathan Trott has been appointed head coach of the England Lions, taking over from Andrew Flintoff who stepped down from the role with immediate effect in August. Trott, a former England batsman and three‑time Ashes winner, will assume the position for the upcoming winter season.

The appointment follows the Lions’ recent Twenty‑20 series victory over the touring Sri Lankan side, a win that Flintoff oversaw before his departure. Trott, who previously served as head coach of Afghanistan and led them to a semi‑final appearance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, will now guide the England Lions through a series of white‑ball tours.

The Lions’ schedule under Trott includes a tour of the West Indies commencing on 27 October, followed by a South Africa leg that runs until 23 December, and a final series in Sri Lanka slated for February to March. Trott has agreed to remain in the post for the next six months.

At 45, Trott brings experience both as a former player for the Lions and as a coach. He completed a short consultancy stint with Ireland in July and was among the candidates considered for England’s senior Test coaching role before the appointment went to Stephen Fleming. Trott expressed enthusiasm about returning to the England set‑up and highlighted the developmental value the Lions programme offers to emerging players.