Ramprakash takes over as England Lions coach

Monday, 28 May 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

England’s batting coach is given a temporary role for the Lions’ games against India A and West Indies A this summer.

England batting coach Mark Ramprakash has been made head coach of the Lions on an interim basis following a re-shuffle of staff at the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Ramprakash will continue in his current role of batting coach as well as taking charge of England’s second tier side as they take on India A and West Indies A this summer.

The move has come about after Lions coach Andy Flower stepped up to cover for Andrew Strauss as England’s director of cricket while the former Test opener takes time off to be with his wife Ruth, who has cancer.

“With taking on additional day-to-day duties following Andrew’s Strauss extended leave, I wanted to ensure the Lions were adequately supported with a high-quality coach, and we believe that Mark Ramprakash is a perfect replacement to lead the team this summer,” Flower said.

“He has already made a significant contribution to our international pathway through his work with the England senior sides, his involvement with the Young Lions and Lions during winter programmes and his role as coach of the South team in the three-match limited-overs series against the North held in Barbados back in March.

“Mark will work alongside the current Lions management team and where time permits, I will be available to assist him and the rest of the coaching staff in what will be an intense test for our young players against strong opposition in the A sides of India and West Indies respectively.”

Ramprakash will oversee the Lions’ 50-over tri-series at home against India A and West Indies A between 22 June and 2 July as well as a four-day Test match against India A at Worcester on 16 July.