Former England cricketer and ex-Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has been appointed as a short-term consultant for the Ireland men’s team ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Trott, aged 45, will work with the Ireland squad for a 14-day consultancy starting next week, focusing on preparing the team for the three-match ODI series and offering advice during the initial two games against Afghanistan. This series holds significance for Ireland as part of their readiness for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in early 2027.
With an impressive international career, Trott played 52 Tests, 68 ODIs, and seven T20Is for England between 2007 and 2015. He served as the head coach for Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team from 2022 to February 2026. Trott’s coaching background includes involvement with England Under-19s at the 2017 ICC Under-19 World Cup, as well as coaching roles at Warwickshire, Kent, and Scotland.
Graeme West, the Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, emphasized the value Trott brings to the Ireland squad, stating that his appointment will provide a competitive advantage. West highlighted the importance of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in the team’s preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in early 2027. He expressed the rare opportunity to engage a coach of Trott’s caliber with current knowledge of the opposition.
West believes that Trott’s recent experience with Afghanistan will enhance Ireland’s strategic planning and deepen the squad’s comprehension of 50-over cricket. He anticipates that Trott’s insights will offer a fresh perspective to the players and staff, enriching their skills and understanding of the format. Additionally, Trott is expected to mentor the coaching group, sharing his leadership experiences and coaching philosophy with the team.
