Jonathan Trott joins Ireland as short-term consultant ahead of Afghanistan ODI series

Trott's appointment comes at a crucial stage for Ireland as they build towards the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in early 2027. The 45-year-old will spend 14 days with the squad, supporting preparations for the series and advising the team during the opening two ODIs against Afghanistan.

Announcing the appointment, Cricket Ireland said Trott's recent experience with Afghanistan makes him an ideal addition to the Irish camp, providing valuable tactical insight into their upcoming opponents.

"The upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is critical to Ireland Men's squad's preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in early 2027," Cricket Ireland Performance Director Graeme West said, as per a media release from Cricket Ireland.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a world-class coach into the senior team environment, offering a wealth of current knowledge on the opposition," West added.

"Having worked with the Afghanistan squad, Jonathan is perfectly placed to support our strategic planning for the series, providing our players and staff with a new perspective - expanding their skills, knowledge and understanding of 50-over cricket," he further added.

West also highlighted the benefits Trott would bring to Ireland's newly formed coaching group following Gary Wilson's promotion to head coach last month after Heinrich Malan's departure.

"Jonathan's value extends beyond player development," West said. "Once he enters the training camp, he will be able to share his wide range of leadership experiences with the coaching staff, outlining his philosophy working with world-class players and his methodology in managing an international team."

Trott represented England in 52 Tests, 68 One-Day Internationals and seven T20Is between 2007 and 2015, scoring 13 international centuries. He later moved into coaching, serving with England Under-19s, Warwickshire, Kent and Scotland before taking charge of Afghanistan in 2022. He remained Afghanistan's head coach until February 2026.

His appointment also comes amid reports linking him with England's vacant Test coaching position following Brendon McCullum's departure.

Ireland will host Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series beginning on August 5 at Bready, with the remaining fixtures scheduled across Bready and Stormont. The series follows Ireland's historic first-ever bilateral series victory over India, achieved with a 2-0 sweep in a T20I series in Belfast. (ANI)