Jonathan Trott continues as Afghanistan’s head coach in new year

Jonathan Trott. (Photo Source: Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in a fresh development has decided to extend the contract of former England batter and the current head coach Jonathan Trott for another year. Trott, whose initial 18-month term concluded in 2023, will continue to guide the team through 2024.

Afghanistan’s cricket team witnessed remarkable progress under Trott’s leadership, reaching new heights in 2023. Their standout performance in the ODI World Cup included victories against cricket giants like Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. Despite narrowly missing out on a win against eventual champions Australia, Afghanistan’s spirited campaign left a lasting impression.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with them so far. It’ll be nice to be able to build on the success we had at this World Cup,” Trott expressed his enthusiasm while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo,

Trott, appointed as head coach in July 2022, has played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s success, securing eight wins out of 23 ODIs and 11 wins out of 26 T20Is.

Afghanistan will aim to clinch T20I series against UAE and will tour India next

Currently Afghanistan are engaged in a three-match T20I series against the UAE. Notably, the side lost the second T20I against the hosts after winning the first game. Hence, the spirited Asian side will hope to clinch the series by winning the decider on January 2. Thereafter, Afghanistan will head to India to play three T20Is against the hosts in a bid to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the USA in June.

Jonathan Trott, renowned for his stellar career with the England cricket team, especially during the Ashes triumph in 2010-11, has seamlessly transitioned into coaching. His coaching stint with Afghanistan marks his first role as the head coach of a senior men’s team in international cricket.

As Afghanistan continue to make strides on the world cricket stage, Trott’s extension reflects the ACB’s confidence in his ability to further nurture and elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming year. Cricket enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keeping a keen eye on Afghanistan’s journey under Trott’s guidance in the months to come. Series against India are going to be one of their prime focus going forward.