Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Jonathan Trott Named England Lions Coach for 2026-27 Winter Schedule
Jonathan Trott is the new coach of England’s second-level cricket team, called the England Lions.
He will lead the team during its winter schedule in 2026 and 2027.
The Lions will play matches in the West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Some games will use the shorter white-ball format, while others will be longer first-class matches.
Trott previously coached Afghanistan from 2022 to 2025.
Under him, Afghanistan reached its first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal in 2024.
He also played for England and won the Ashes three times.
The Lions are meant to help prepare talented players for England’s senior team.
Jonathan Trott has been appointed England Lions head coach for the 2026-27 winter schedule.
The former England batter previously coached Afghanistan from 2022 to 2025.
Trott guided Afghanistan to its first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal in 2024.
The Lions will tour the West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The schedule includes T20, ODI and first-class matches to develop future England players.
- Who
- Jonathan Trott, appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board as England Lions head coach.
- What
- Trott will lead the England Lions during their 2026-27 winter programme.
- When
- The appointment was announced Monday; the schedule runs from October 27, 2026, to March 14, 2027.
- Where
- The Lions will tour the West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The programme is intended to develop players and prepare them for senior international cricket.
- Appointment
- Jonathan Trott named England Lions head coach
- Schedule
- 2026-27 winter programme
- West Indies tour
- October 27 to November 21, 2026; T20 and ODI series
- South Africa tour
- November 25 to December 23, 2026; ODI and first-class series
- Sri Lanka tour
- February 18 to March 14, 2027; ODI and first-class series
- Previous coaching role
- Afghanistan head coach from 2022 to 2025
- Playing record
- 52 Tests and 75 white-ball matches for England