Jonathan Trott roped in as new Afghanistan head coach

Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott has been appointed as the new head coach of Afghanistan’s men’s team and he is all set to take charge from the upcoming tour of Ireland in August. Trott, who played 52 Tests, 68 ODIs and 7 T20Is for England, announced his retirement in 2018, and he was one of the most consistent run scorers for England in the period from 2009 to 2014.

It has to be noted that Trott has replaced Graham Thorpe in the position as the latter fell seriously ill this May and it opened the doors for Trott’s appointment. The 41-year-old, Trott has worked with England men’s team, England Lions and the U19 sides in the past and also was a batting consultant for the Scotland side in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Honoured and excited to have the opportunity: Jonathan Trott

Trott mentioned that he was delighted to get the chance of taking up the head coach role for Afghanistan and felt that their development has taken bigger strides in recent times. He added about the excitement behind working with a side that is capable of excelling and producing results against even the strongest of teams.

“I’m honoured and excited to have the opportunity to take one of international cricket’s most exciting teams through what is a huge year for their development as a team,” Trott was quoted as saying by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

“I can’t wait to get to work with a group of players who are clearly capable of generating results in a style that will make the people of Afghanistan proud,” he added.

Afghanistan last played a three-match ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe in June and they whitewashed the opponents to clinch the series comfortably. The upcoming Ireland tour will comprise five T20 internationals starting from the 9th of August and will go on until the 17th of August. Trott will be hoping to prepare the side for the upcoming T20 World Cup in October which will be his first major assignment.