Jon Lewis named as head coach of the ECB’s Young Lions programme

Jon Lewis has been appointed as head coach of the ECB’s Young Lions programme.

The former Gloucestershire, Surrey, Sussex and England fast-bowler will join the ECB from Sussex on a full-time basis in April, after taking temporary charge of the England Under-19s during the recent ICC Under-19s World Cup in New Zealand.

He also worked as fast-bowling coach with the Under-19s on their tour of India last winter, and as fast-bowling coach for the England Lions in Australia before Christmas.

Lewis moved on to the coaching staff at Sussex after retiring at the end of the 2014 season, initially as fast-bowling coach and more recently as assistant head coach, and becomes the third former Sussex coach in a key role at the ECB, following Mark Robinson’s appointment as Head Coach of England Women in November 2015, and the recent appointment of Carl Hopkinson as Lead Fielding Coach.

He succeeds Andy Hurry, who returned to Somerset as Director of Cricket before Christmas after three years as head coach of the England Under-19s and Young Lions. In addition to leading the Under-19s in reciprocal series and World Cups – beginning with two home “Tests” and three ODIs against South Africa this summer – the role involves working closely with county coaches and academy directors in the development of the country’s most talented young players.

David Parsons, the ECB’s Performance Director, said: “After a full and open recruitment process, Jon was an outstanding candidate for the role after his work on our International Pathway over the last couple of years, most recently as head coach at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge from his playing experience across the county and international game, but also a burgeoning reputation as a coach. We’ve been impressed by his leadership, his ability to build relationships, and the high standards and expectations he sets. He is thoughtful and has a very good level of cricket knowledge.

“We should also recognise Sussex’s considerable contribution to English cricket through the development opportunities they have provided to coaches such as Jon, Carl Hopkinson, Mark Robinson and Peter Moores.”

Lewis said: ““I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me as a coach by Sussex since I retired from playing. This is a great opportunity for me to work with the best young cricketers in the country and help shape the future of England cricket.”

Keith Greenfield, Sussex’s Director of Cricket, added: “In the three years since finishing his playing days here at Hove, Jon has emerged as one of the game’s most respected coaches.

“His work with our crop of young fast bowlers has been outstanding and it is no surprise that this was recognised by the ECB when it came to appointing someone to lead the country’s most promising young cricketers.

“Alongside winning cricket matches, we’re very clear developing the best players and coaches for England that we can is a big part of what we’re trying to achieve at Sussex.

“Jon’s new role and Carl Hopkinson’s appointment as England’s Lead Fielding Coach last week suggests we are successfully meeting that aim.”