Ben Stokes Embarks on Coaching Role with England Lions During UAE Rehabilitation
England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to take on a new coaching role with the England Lions squad during their upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates, as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained in the Ashes series. The 34-year-old all-rounder, who is rehabilitating an adductor injury picked up in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this month, will provide valuable assistance to the second-string team.
Stokes Joins Flintoff's Coaching Team for White-Ball Series
Stokes will be part of Andrew Flintoff's coaching group for both the T20 and 50-over white-ball series against the Pakistan Shaheens. This marks a significant step in his coaching journey, blending his on-field experience with a developmental role. Former teammate Moeen Ali, who has reversed his county retirement to sign with Yorkshire for the upcoming T20 Blast, will also join the coaching staff for the first time, adding further expertise to the setup.
The coaching team, which will attend either all or part of the tour, includes notable names such as Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, and Amar Rashid. Rashid, a South Asian Cricket Academy coach, has signed a consultancy contract for the tour. Additionally, Troy Cooley will be on his first tour since returning to the England and Wales Cricket Board as men's elite national pace bowling lead, enhancing the coaching depth.
Squad Leadership and ECB's Vision for Future Success
Essex batter Jordan Cox and Warwickshire all-rounder Dan Mousley have been named captains for the T20 and 50-over squads, respectively. The Lions will play a three-match T20 series and five 50-over matches, their first away white-ball series since visiting Sri Lanka in 2022. This tour is seen as a crucial opportunity for player development ahead of the 2027 ICC Men's World Cup in South Africa.
ECB men's performance director Ed Barney expressed excitement about the squad, stating, "This group brings a real blend of proven performers, exciting talent who have performed over the winter and retains an eye on future best." He emphasised that with limited 50-over cricket available, this series and subsequent tours in 2026 will help players develop and deliver as England builds towards the World Cup.
Full Squad Lists for T20 and 50-Over Series
Lions T20 Squad:
- Jordan Cox (Essex, capt)
- Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
- Luc Benkenstein (Essex)
- James Coles (Sussex)
- Sam Cook (Essex)
- Scott Currie (Hampshire)
- Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire)
- Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
- Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire)
- Ben McKinney (Durham)
- Tom Moores (Nottinghamshire)
- Dan Mousley (Warwickshire)
- Matthew Revis (Yorkshire)
- Will Smeed (Somerset)
- Nathan Sowter (Durham)
- Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
- Asa Tribe (Glamorgan)
Lions 50-Over Squad:
- Dan Mousley (Warwickshire, capt)
- Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
- Luc Benkenstein (Essex)
- Sam Cook (Essex)
- James Coles (Sussex)
- Scott Currie (Hampshire)
- Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire)
- Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
- Ben McKinney (Durham)
- Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire)
- Matthew Potts (Durham)
- Matthew Revis (Yorkshire)
- James Rew (Somerset)
- Mitch Stanley (Lancashire)
- Asa Tribe (Glamorgan)
- James Wharton (Yorkshire)
This initiative highlights England's commitment to nurturing emerging talent while leveraging the experience of established players like Stokes during his recovery period.
