Jonathan Trott (Source: @asdevender_bbc/X.com)
One of the most successful head coaches in international cricket, England's Jonathan Trott has received a contract extension from the Afghanistan Cricket Board for another year after successfully handling the team for the past 2.5 years. Trott's tenure will begin with a series against Zimbabwe, during which he will be present for the ODI leg.
Trott was impressive as the head coach of the side leading them in 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup As Afghanistan emerged as one of the most feared sides in world cricket with abundant talent and proper utility.
Trott's man management skills came in handy during their triumphant victories against England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands last year, resulting in their qualification for the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for the very first time as they will feature among the top eight teams in the world.
This year, in June, during the T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, Afghanistan took the honours as they defeated teams like New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh to progress to the semifinal stage of the competition, marking their maiden appearance in a knockout game in the multi-lateral ICC events.
Previously, Trott's tenure was renewed after his successful returns in both ODI and T20 formats where his side won 14 out of 34 games in the 50-over format and 20 out of 44 matches in the shortest form.
Trott To Remain Absent During Zimbabwe Tests and T20Is
Another development is that Trott would be available for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe while missing out on two Tests and three T20Is due to his prior commitments with SA20 side Pretoria Capitals as head coach during January-February.
During this time, Hamid Hassan will fill the shoes as head coach while Nawroz Mangal has been appointed as the assistant head coach of the side.