Dinesh Karthik is all set to become a key member of the England Lions coaching staff as a batting consultant.
This move comes ahead of England’s forthcoming tour to India, where the England A team is scheduled to engage in three four-day matches against the India A side in Ahmedabad, starting on January 17.
Karthik’s inclusion in the coaching setup signals a strategic move by England to leverage his wealth of experience and insights into the nuances of playing cricket in India.
The 36-year-old cricketer is expected to join forces with England Men’s Elite Pace Bowling Coach Neil Killeen, enhancing the team’s preparation for the challenging series.
The coaching staff for this tour has been further enriched with the addition of former England internationals Ian Bell and Graeme Swann.
Bell and Swann, renowned for their cricketing exploits, will contribute their expertise, particularly focusing on providing valuable insights into the demands of playing in Indian conditions.
They will collaborate with England’s full-time coaches Richard Dawson and Carl Hopkinson.
Mo Bobat, England Men’s Performance Director, expressed enthusiasm about Dinesh Karthik’s role, stating, “It’s fantastic to have Dinesh Karthik with us for a part of our prep period and leading into the first Test. I’m sure the lads will love spending time with him and benefiting from his experience of what it takes to be successful at Test level in India.”
Karthik is expected to join the England Lions camp for approximately nine days at the commencement of the tour.
The aim is for the team to capitalise on his extensive knowledge of Indian cricket conditions, providing a valuable perspective to enhance the performance of the squad.
Mo Bobat also underscored the contributions of Ian Bell and Graeme Swann, emphasizing their familiarity with the Lions’ environments over the past year.
Both former players are set to play crucial roles in coaching and mentoring capacities, bringing their rich cricketing experiences to enrich the development of the players in the squad.
This collaborative coaching effort is geared towards ensuring England is well-prepared and strategically equipped for the challenges that lie ahead in the Indian subcontinent.
England Lions Coaching Staff: Know The Names
Head Coach: Neil Killeen
Assistant Coach (10th – 19th January): Richard Dawson
Assistant Coach: Carl Hopkinson
Batting Consultant (From 18 January): Ian Bell
Batting Consultant (10th – 18th January): Dinesh Karthik
England Lions Squad:
Josh Bohannon (c), Kasey Aldridge, Brydon Carse, James Coles, Matt Fisher, Keaton Jennings, Tom Lawes, Alex Lees, Dan Mousley, Callum Parkinson, Matt Potts. Ollie Price, James Rew, Ollie Robinson
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