In a strategic move, England has enlisted the services of former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as an assistant coach for their title defense at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on 24 December, signaling a notable addition to their coaching lineup.
Known for his prolific career in franchise league cricket, Pollard brings a wealth of experience, having played over 600 games in the shortest format. The 36-year-old, a T20I veteran for West Indies, boasts impressive stats, with 101 matches, 1569 runs, and 42 wickets at a striking rate of 135.14. Notably, Pollard was a crucial part of the West Indies squad that secured victory in the 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.
While this marks Pollard’s debut as an international coach, he has already established coaching credentials as the current batting coach for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since the 2023 edition. Having retired from all formats of the game in April 2022, Pollard’s transition to coaching reflects his continued commitment to the sport.
The decision to bring in Pollard is driven by his expertise in understanding the local conditions in the Caribbean Islands, where the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be hosted. This strategic move aims to leverage Pollard’s insights to enhance England’s performance in the tournament.
It’s worth noting that England recently toured the Caribbean Islands, facing West Indies in a thrilling series that concluded with the hosts securing a 3-2 victory. As England gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, Pollard’s coaching prowess is anticipated to play a pivotal role in their campaign.
