England’s cricket captain, Ben Stokes, is set to take on a coaching role for the national second-string team, known as the England Lions, during their upcoming tour in the United Arab Emirates. This decision comes as Stokes continues to recover from an adductor injury sustained during the fifth Test of the Ashes series in Australia earlier this month.
Stokes plans to join the Lions as they compete against the Pakistan Shaheens in a series of T20 and one-day international (ODI) matches in February. His involvement as part of the coaching staff will allow him to contribute to the team’s development while he advances in his rehabilitation.
Coaching Staff and Team Composition
The coaching team for this tour is led by former England international Andrew Flintoff, and includes notable figures such as Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, Moeen Ali, and Amar Rashid. For Troy Cooley, this marks his first tour since returning to the England and Wales Cricket Board as the men’s elite national pace bowling lead.
Moeen Ali also takes on a new challenge, joining the Lions for the first time in a coaching capacity. Jordan Cox and Dan Mousley will serve as captains for the T20 and 50-over squads, respectively, leading a talented group of young cricketers.
The Lions are scheduled to play a total of three T20 matches and five ODIs. This tour represents their first overseas white-ball series since their visit to Sri Lanka in 2022, providing an important opportunity for emerging players to gain international experience.
As Stokes transitions into this dual role of player and coach, his presence is expected to enhance the Lions’ performance. While he continues to focus on his recovery, his insights and leadership can prove invaluable for the squad’s development in a competitive environment.
The tour is set to commence in February 2024, and fans will be eager to see how the England Lions fare against their Pakistani counterparts under the guidance of a seasoned captain like Stokes.
