Jonathan Trott has been appointed as England Lions Head Coach for the upcoming winter schedule.
Trott, 45, brings deep international coaching experience to the role having been Afghanistan Head Coach for four years from 2022, during which time he led them to an historic first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024.
Trott was an assistant coach with the England Men’s team during the Covid-19 pandemic and last week stood in as England Lions Head Coach for the 2-0 T20 series win against Sri Lanka. He will now take permanent charge of the Lions for a busy winter schedule that includes tours of the Caribbean, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
ECB Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said: “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.
“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 develop 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.”
Trott, a three-time Ashes winner, appeared in 52 Tests and made 75 white-ball appearances for England, and said: “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.
“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.
“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.
England Lions winter schedule
October 27 – November 21, 2026: T20 and ODI series – West Indies
November 25 – December 23, 2026: ODI & first-class series – South Africa.
February 18 – March 14, 2027: ODI & first-class series – Sri Lanka