Dale Steyn to Coach England Lions Fast Bowlers in South Africa
Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, will join Andrew Flintoff’s coaching staff for the England Lions tour of South Africa next month. Steyn, who retired from international cricket in 2019, will work with some of England’s most promising young fast bowlers, including Pat Brown, Josh Hull, and Dillon Pennington.
The Lions tour, which will run from November 20 to December 14, will consist of a training camp and a four-day match against South Africa A. The squad includes ten seamers, reflecting England’s focus on developing fast bowlers.
Steyn, who took 439 wickets in his Test career, will provide invaluable guidance to the young bowlers. He is known for his exceptional pace, accuracy, and swing bowling. His experience and expertise will be crucial in helping the Lions bowlers improve their skills and reach their full potential.
Neil McKenzie, the former South Africa batter, will oversee the Lions’ batting group. McKenzie, who has worked with the South Africa national team and Desert Vipers, will provide mentorship and support to the young batsmen.
The Lions tour is part of the ECB’s ongoing commitment to developing young players and building a strong pipeline of talent for the England team. The ECB’s performance director, Ed Barney, said that the seam-dominated squad reflects “England’s short and long-term needs” across formats.
The Lions tour will provide a valuable opportunity for the young players to gain experience in South African conditions and learn from some of the best coaches in the world. It is expected to be a significant step in their development as they aim to represent England in the future.