Jonathan Trott, the former England Test batter and Afghanistan coach, has taken charge of the England Lions and is telling his players to 'be smart'. Trott, who scored a series-winning century on his Test debut in 2009, believes the Lions setup was crucial to his own development and wants to make it a finishing school for future Test players.
Lions role and early career
Trott's first England appearance came in 2007 in a Twenty20 series against West Indies, where he felt out of his comfort zone, scoring nine and two. He credits the Lions setup, which he played in over the following two years, for his subsequent success.
"For me, the Lions was huge," says Trott. "It was a really important phase in my development. When I made my T20 debut in 2007 it was like I had come in from the cold. It was very weird suddenly playing for a team where, apart from Belly, I didn't know anyone."
Playing for the Lions allowed him to get to know future Test teammates through competitive cricket in the Duleep Trophy in India, against touring sides, and a full tour of New Zealand. "So, making my Test debut in 2009 felt like more of a natural transition, really," he adds.
Coaching philosophy and ambitions
Trott, who has also coached in franchise and county cricket, interviewed for the recent Test vacancy but Stephen Fleming got the nod. He now leads the Lions on tours of the Caribbean, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, with potential additional work next summer.
"I want the Lions to focus on winning and performing whenever you wear the three lions of England, so it's second nature when you put on the main cap," says Trott. "Players, especially younger players, get attracted by the bright lights of the franchise stuff but I don't think it's anywhere near as rewarding as playing for your national side."
Trott's approach is influenced by Andy Flower, Ashley Giles, and his father, Ian. He aims to find the "sweet spot" where players are pushed but not overworked, and encourages self-sufficiency. "I always tell the guys to be smart," he says. "Be smart, think about the team, and you can't go too far wrong with that."
Afghanistan experience and future
Trott is proud of his four-year spell with Afghanistan, which included victories over England at the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. "The role had a lot of challenges, clearly. I tried to keep away from politics but it was always there," he says.
He now hopes to build similar relationships with the England Lions, with their first tour departing for the Caribbean this month. "If I do get the chance to coach England one day, it will make it easier to pick up rather than coming in from the cold," Trott adds.
