Stokes and Ali to Bolster England Lions Coaching Staff for UAE Series
England Test captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Moeen Ali will join the England Lions coaching team for their upcoming series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates next month. The move provides a significant boost to the Lions’ setup, combining rehabilitation for Stokes with a first foray into coaching for Moeen.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that both players will assist head coach Andrew Flintoff during the tour, which features a three-match T20 series and five 50-over matches against Pakistan’s second-string side. Stokes is currently recovering from an adductor injury sustained during the fifth Test against Australia earlier this month and will continue his rehabilitation in the UAE.
Moeen, who retired from international cricket in 2024 after 298 appearances for England, recently reversed his decision to retire from domestic cricket, signing a deal with Yorkshire. This coaching role marks a new chapter in his career, offering him the opportunity to impart his extensive experience to the next generation of English cricketers.
The Lions’ coaching staff is further strengthened by the inclusion of elite national pace bowling lead Troy Cooley, who recently rejoined the England setup, former South Africa batter Neil McKenzie, ex-England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, former Durham seamer Neil Killeen, and Amar Rashid, brother of England spinner Adil. Rashid’s prior experience coaching England pathway cricketers is expected to be invaluable.
Jordan Cox and Dan Mousley will lead the respective T20 and 50-over squads on the Lions’ first away white-ball series since touring Sri Lanka in 2022. They will be supported by fellow full internationals Saqib Mahmood (T20 squad) and Matthew Potts (50-over matches). Essex seamer Sam Cook, who earned a single Test cap against Zimbabwe last summer, has been selected for both squads.
Emerging talents James Rew, Asa Tribe, and James Coles also feature prominently in the squads, alongside Scott Currie, who was previously ruled out of Scotland’s T20 World Cup squad.
“It’s exciting to have such a strong England Lions squad selected,” stated a senior ECB official. “This group brings a real blend of proven performers, exciting talent who have performed over the winter and retains an eye on future best.”
The ECB views this series as a crucial development opportunity, particularly given the limited number of 50-over matches currently scheduled. According to the ECB, the series, combined with future tours planned through 2026, will be instrumental in preparing players for the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup in South Africa.
The South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) expressed pride in Amar Rashid’s appointment, highlighting his proven coaching abilities. “We’ve seen just what Amar is capable of as a coach and it comes as little surprise to us that his skills have been recognised,” said SACA founder Tom Brown. “At SACA we are enormously proud of the opportunities we have created in the professional game for not only our South Asian players, but for our coaches too.”
The tour is scheduled to begin with the first T20 match on February 21, with various members of the coaching party contributing throughout the duration of the series.
