Former England middle-order batsman Jonathan Trott named as the new coach of Afghanistan

Former England middle-order batsman Jonathan Trott named as the new coach of Afghanistan

Jonathan Trott, a former middle order batsman for England, was named the new coach of Afghanistan on Friday, taking over for Graham Thorpe, who had to resign due to health reasons.

The side will play five Twenty20 Internationals in Ireland in August under Trott’s leadership before the World Cup in Australia later in the year. Trott was born in Cape Town.

“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 said.

Trott will work with Ryan Maron, a South African who was just promoted to Afghanistan fielding coach, according to The South African website.

The 41-year-old Trott, who represented England in almost 200 international games, served as the team’s batting coach for England’s 2021 tour of India.

In May, Thorpe, a former England batsman and assistant coach, developed a serious illness.

After leaving the England coaching staff following a 4-0 Ashes loss, he accepted the position of head coach for Afghanistan.