Min Patel to coach England Lions in Australia

Kent’s Head of Talent Pathway, Min Patel, will be a spin bowling consultant for England Lions when the Test specialists and Lions arrive in Australia this weekend.

The playing group and management will be based on the Gold Coast for their 14-day quarantine period before moving to Brisbane to play two intra-squad warm-up matches later this month.

The extended England Men’s Team and the Lions squad will be arriving in Australia on Saturday ahead of the Ashes Series, starting on 8 December 8 at the Gabba.

Cricket Australia is working with the Queensland Government and Queensland Health to prioritise the health and safety of the community, players and support staff.

The team will arrive at Brisbane airport and will then head to the Gold Coast for their quarantine period.

The team will quarantine for 14 days but have an exemption to undertake training at Metricon Stadium under strict quarantine conditions from 10 November to 20 November.

The Lions contingent will have a wealth of experience, including Carl Hopkinson (Elite Fielding Coach), Bruce French (Wicketkeeping Consultant) and Jonathan Trott (Batting Consultant). Completing the set-up will be Nottinghamshire coach Ant Botha, who has been seconded from the County network, along with Min Patel, for the tour.

Commenting on the appointments for the tour of Australia, Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said: “We are looking forward to getting our prep period underway on the Gold Coast ahead of the Ashes and Lions Tour, respectively.

“The coaching team selected has an excellent blend of credentials grounded in experiences through the England pathway and the wider county game.

“In addition to the specialist expertise, we have individuals in our coaching team that have experienced success in Australian conditions, which will benefit the players’ preparation ahead of the Ashes and Lions competitive experiences.

“For the period up until the end of the warm-up matches, the coaching team will assist both groups of players. However, once we start the final build-up to the first Ashes Test, we will then split into two distinct groups with the Lions preparing for their four-day match against Australia A on 9 December.”

England Men’s Coaching Team – Ashes Tour

• Head Coach: Chris Silverwood
• Assistant Coaches: Paul Collingwood, Graham Thorpe
• Elite Pace Bowling: Jon Lewis
• Elite Spin Bowling: Jeetan Patel
• Wicketkeeping Consultant: James Foster

England support and Lions Coaching Team– Australia Tour

• Elite Fielding Coach: Carl Hopkinson
• Batting Consultant: Jonathan Trott
• Wicketkeeping Consultant: Bruce French
• Coaching Consultant: Ant Botha
• Spin Bowling Consultant: Min Patel