Troy Cooley returns as England pace-bowling lead coach after 20 years

TheEngland and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) has announced the re-appointment of Troy Cooley as the men’s elite national pace bowling lead coach, bringing back the Australian fast-bowling specialist nearly 20 years after his first stint with the English setup.

The Australian will now oversee the development and performance of England’s fast bowlers across English Cricket with England Lions and Young Lions, working to align technical standards and long-term coaching structures that will help cultivate pace

talent throughout the county.

Cooley’s return marks a full-circle moment in his coaching career. He was previously part of England’s coaching group between 2003 and 2006, a tenure that included the famous 2005 Ashes triumph at home, one of the most iconic series victories in English cricket history. After his initial stint with ECB, he spent around 15 years with Cricket Australia’s high-performance programmes and later joined India’s National Cricket Academy as fast-bowling coach, working with both men’s and women’s setups. 

Speaking on his fresh appointment, the seasoned coach expressed both pride and ambition about shaping England’s pace future, while thanking the BCCI and VVS Laxman. 

“I am proud of the foundation built in recent years and grateful to the support I received at the BCCI. Joining the ECB is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of England’s pace-bowling future bringing together the art of performance and the science of long-term development,” the 60-year-old was quoted as saying by ECB.

“England’s pace-bowling talent and identity are world-class. My focus is to continue strengthening pathway alignment, technical standards, coaching language, performance expectations, so bowlers and coaches can progress with clarity and confidence,” he concluded. 

ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, also opened up on Cooley’s appointment, highlighting the coach’s global reputation and vast experience. 

“Troy is one of the very best coaches in the world whose record over more than two decades speaks for itself. His experience will not only benefit the England men’s team but also help nurture the next wave of fast-bowling talent,” said Key. 

England take on Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup

England are on their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. The Three Lions, led by Harry Brook, are scheduled to play three ODIs, followed by the T20I series. The series marks a perfect preparation opportunity for them as Sri Lanka are co-hosts of the marquee event. They will open their World Cup campaign against Nepal on February 8, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.