Dinesh Karthik to work with England Lions as batting consultant

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik will act as England Lions’ batting consultant for the first nine days (January 10-18) of their tour of India. The month-long series will feature three four-day matches against India A in Ahmedabad starting Wednesday (January 17).

Karthik has been associated with Sky Sports and was part of the commentary team during the World Test Championship final and the Ashes last year in England. Ian Bell will replace the 38-year-old after January 18. Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann is also part of the coaching staff. 

“It’s fantastic to have Dinesh Karthik with us for a part of our prep period and leading into the first Test. I’m sure the lads will love spending time with him and benefiting from his experience of what it takes to be successful at Test level in India,” said England Men’s Performance Director, Mo Bobat.

Neil Killeen is the head coach and will work alongside Richard Dawson (January 10-19) and Carl Hopkinson. “It’s great to have such a strong coaching group supporting our players for what should be an exciting challenge versus India A. The group has a deep and diverse set of experiences and expertise,” added Bobat.

“Neil Killeen did an excellent job leading the Lions in Sri Lanka last year and will assume head coach responsibilities again. Similarly, Ian Bell and Graeme Swann have spent time around our Lions environments over the past year and will be well-placed to continue supporting the players, many of whom they already know well. They both bring fantastic experiences to their respective coaching and mentoring roles.

“Carl Hopkinson and Richard Dawson have extensive pathway experience and bring with them an England senior coaching perspective, and recent experience of Indian conditions.”

England Lions will first play a two-day warm-up game (January 12-13) before the three-match series begins on January 17. The second (January 24-27) and third game (February 1-4) will also be played in Ahmedabad.

England Lions squad - Josh Bohannon (c), Kasey Aldridge, Brydon Carse, Jack Carson, James Coles, Matt Fisher, Keaton Jennings, Tom Lawes, Alex Lees, Dan Mousley, Callum Parkinson, Matt Potts, Ollie Price, James Rew, Ollie Robinson.