The 41-year-old former England National Cricket Team all-rounder Michael Yardy, who was part of the team’s 15-man ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011 squad, has been appointed as the new head coach of the England Under-19 Men’s Cricket Team.
Yardy played international cricket for the Three Lions between 2006-2011. He represented England in 28 ODIs and scored 326 runs while picking up 21 wickets. Also, he played 14 T20Is and scored 96 runs while picking up 11 wickets.
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Michael Yardy, whose England career effectively ended when he flew home with clinical depression three days before the quarter-final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011, was part of England’s 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad.
Yardy joined England U-19 from Sussex CCC where he was in the Academy Director role. He had previously been in coaching roles with New South Wales and Kent CCC. Michael Yardy will be replacing Richard Dawson, who has joined Matthew Mott’s England white-ball coaching team.
I’m really excited to be taking on the role of Young Lions Head Coach – Michael Yardy
Yardy, while talking about his appointment, said that he is excited to take over as the head coach of the England U-19 team.
“I’m really excited to be taking on the role of Young Lions Head Coach. It’s a privilege to work with young players as they seek to make the next step in their career and I look forward to the challenge of doing that at international level,” Yardy said as quoted by ECB.
“The Young Lions programme has helped to develop a number of very talented players across the last few years and it’s an exciting prospect to be a part of that work and help identify and improve future England Men’s cricketers.”
Player Identification and Talent Pathway Lead, David Court, while talking about Yardy’s appointment said:
“We’re delighted to have Mike join us as our Young Lions Head Coach and he brings with him a fantastic range of relevant experiences.
“The Young Lions programme aims to inspire and develop players through unique and challenging experiences, and Mike’s time in domestic cricket, international cricket and more recently his time spent leading the development of talented young cricketers at Sussex will be a huge asset for us.
“I’d like to thank Sussex for their support during this recruitment process and wish Mike all the best in his new role.”