An explainer of the Under-19 World Cup, the latest edition of which will begin in New Zealand on January 13 (1:13)
Jonathan Trott is to be named among the England coaching staff at the U19 World Cup, as the ECB rejig their plans after Steve Rhodes was stood down as head coach.
Trott, a former ICC player of the year, will be the batting coach for the squad. Although he is still on the playing staff at Warwickshire, he impressed when working with the England Lions at Loughborough ahead of their trip to Australia.
While Rhodes had originally been named as the team’s coach, he is currently on forced leave at Worcestershire as part of a disciplinary enquiry. Jon Lewis, the Sussex bowling coach, will lead the coaching staff in his place after Richard Dawson, the Gloucestershire coach, who was originally lined-up to replace Rhodes was obliged to pull out.
The tournament, which takes place in New Zealand between January 13 and February 3, will be the 12th staging of the U19 World Cup, which was first hosted in Australia in 1988.
Trott, who played in 52 Tests and 68 ODIs for England, including roles in three Ashes series wins, represented South Africa at the 2000 World Cup, with whom he won the Plate Final, beating Bangladesh by 80 runs in Kandy.
The U19 squad is currently in South Africa playing in a Tri-Series as they continue their preparations for the World Cup. They won their opening match against Namibia in Potchefstroom on Thursday.
Gloucestershire’s Richard Dawson stepped up as head coach for the South Africa trip, assisted by former England batsman James Taylor, Durham’s Neil Killeen as fast bowling coach, and the ECB’s lead fielding coach Chris Taylor. Killeen and Chris Taylor will continue through to the World Cup.
David Parsons, the ECB’s Performance Director, said: “We are delighted that Jon Lewis and Jonathan Trott have accepted our invitations to join the England Under-19s at the World Cup, and grateful to their counties Sussex and Warwickshire for releasing them to do so.
“Jon has experience of the International Pathway having worked with the Under-19s on their tour of India last winter, and is currently with the Lions in Australia.
“Trotty was invited to help the Lions in their preparations for Australia by Andy Flower, and made a really positive impression on all the players and coaches during their week at the Performance Centre, so it’s good to be able to offer him the opportunity to gain further coaching experience at a World Cup – and to share his considerable international experience with our next generation of batsmen.
“We are also indebted to Richard Dawson for stepping up at short notice as head coach in South Africa, and also to James Taylor, Neil Killeen and Chris Taylor for their work with the squad. Not only do these experiences offer great learning opportunities for talented young players, but they are also excellent exposure to international cricket for aspiring coaches. “
England fly to New Zealand on January 2 and play warm-up games against Ireland and Sri Lanka before three group matches against Namibia, Bangladesh and Canada, all in Queenstown. The World Cup final is in Tauranga on February 3.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo