On New Year’s Day, the Afghanistan Cricket Board renewed head coach Jonathan Trott‘s contract in anticipation of the T20I series against India. This extension follows Trott’s successful 18-month coaching stint, during which the team experienced significant progress in white-ball cricket.
Highlighting Afghanistan’s achievements in the 2023 ODI World Cup, they defeated former champions England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Their strong performance against Australia was notable, and it took Glenn Maxwell’s double century for Australia to secure a miraculous victory.
Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan concluded the tournament in the sixth position with four victories in nine matches, earning an automatic qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In addition to their notable performance in the ODI World Cup, Afghanistan achieved significant success, including triumphs in the 2022 Asia Cup, a T20I series victory over Pakistan, and an ODI series win against Bangladesh.
The ACB, in an official statement regarding Trott’s extension, mentioned:
“Afghanistan Cricket Board confirms the extension of the contract with Mr. Jonathon Trott, the National Team’s Head Coach, for the year 2024. The decision comes in after his successful 18-month tenure, during which he made significant contributions to the team’s progress and development.”
“Mr. Jonathon Trott expressed his pleasure on the extension of his contract and stated that he is looking forward to spending more time with the squad and building on performances of the recently held ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.”
Trott played 52 Tests for England between 2009 and 2015, accumulating 3835 runs at an average of 44.08, which included nine centuries and 19 half-centuries. His highest score was 226. In addition, he participated in 68 ODIs, scoring 2838 runs at an average of 51.25, with four centuries and 22 half-centuries.
Afghanistan plans to visit India for a three-match T20I series in January
Afghanistan is set to tour India for a three-match T20I series beginning on January 11 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.
Currently, they are engaged in a three-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates, which is leveled at 1-1. The final match will take place in Sharjah on January 2, with Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s regular T20I captain, rested for the series.
Afghanistan tour of India:
1st T20I in Mohali- January 11
2nd T20I in Indore- January 14
3rd T20I in Bengaluru- January 17
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