Emirates Old Trafford is set to turn into a focal point for T20 cricket expertise with the appointment of Matthew Mott as a coaching consultant for Lancashire’s Vitality Blast team. The move brings a wealth of experience to the club, as Mott, a former England limited overs coach and a highly successful mentor of the Australian women’s team, joins for a two-year deal. This appointment too dovetails with his upcoming role with the Manchester Super Giants in the women’s Hundred, following a significant investment in the franchise by RPSG Group.
Mott’s arrival is particularly noteworthy given his recent successes on the international stage. He led England to a T20 World Cup victory in 2022, his first year in the role, before departing in 2024. Prior to his time with England, Mott oversaw a golden era for the Australian women’s team, securing consecutive T20 World Cup titles, a 50-over World Cup win, and four Ashes series victories. His track record of building winning teams and nurturing talent is what Lancashire hopes will translate to success in the competitive Vitality Blast.
Building on a Strong Foundation at Lancashire
The 52-year-old Australian’s role will be to work closely with Lancashire’s existing coaching setup, led by head coach Steven Croft. Lancashire finished top of the North Group in last year’s Vitality Blast, reaching the semi-final stage before being eliminated by eventual winners Somerset. Their only previous triumph in the competition came in 2015, a drought the club will be eager to end. Mott’s appointment signals a clear ambition to build on that recent progress and challenge for the title.
“I’m really excited to be joining Lancashire as a T20 coaching consultant for the Vitality Blast over the next two years,” Mott said in a statement released by the club. “The Club has a strong history, a talented group of players and huge ambitions in white-ball cricket. I’m looking forward to working with the squad and coaching team to help build on that potential and add value wherever I can. The Blast is an incredibly competitive tournament, and I’m eager to gain started and contribute to what we hope will be a successful campaign at Emirates Old Trafford.”
A Wider Role at Emirates Old Trafford
This isn’t Mott’s first foray into county cricket. Last season, he served as a part-time coach for Glamorgan, focusing on coaching development – a similar remit to the one he’ll undertake at Lancashire. He also brings extensive franchise experience, having worked with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and currently holds coaching positions with both the Sydney Sixers men’s and women’s teams in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The connection to Manchester Super Giants further solidifies Mott’s presence at Emirates Old Trafford. The RPSG Group’s £80 million (approximately $101 million USD) investment in the team last year, securing a 70 per cent stake, has reshaped the landscape of The Hundred. This investment, part of a larger restructuring that valued all eight teams at over £975 million, is designed to secure the long-term financial health of English and Welsh cricket, with over £500 million earmarked for reinvestment, including £50 million for grassroots initiatives.
The Changing Face of The Hundred
The 2026 season marks a significant shift in The Hundred’s operational structure, with “TeamCos”—the investors and host venues—assuming full control. The buyers represent a diverse group, including owners of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, American private equity firms, and tech entrepreneurs. London Spirit, for example, was acquired by a consortium of Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs for £145 million, the highest valuation of any team. Oval Invincibles was purchased by Reliance Industries, owners of the Mumbai Indians, for £60 million. Manchester Originals saw RPSG Group take a 70% stake for £81 million, with Lancashire retaining 30%.
Lancashire’s Ambitions and Mott’s Impact
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, expressed his enthusiasm for Mott’s appointment. “Matthew’s track record speaks for itself,” he said. “He has achieved sustained success at international level, winning global tournaments and leading high-performing teams in pressure environments. His experience and tactical insights will be hugely beneficial to our Blast campaigns over the next two seasons. We are constantly looking at ways to strengthen while further supporting Steven and his coaches – and bringing someone of Matthew’s calibre into the environment can only be a positive.”
The appointment of Matthew Mott represents a strategic move by Lancashire to bolster their T20 credentials. His proven ability to cultivate winning cultures and extract the best from players, combined with his growing ties to Emirates Old Trafford through the Manchester Super Giants, positions him as a key figure in the club’s pursuit of Vitality Blast success. The next step will be seeing how Mott’s expertise translates onto the field when the 2026 Vitality Blast season gets underway.
Stay tuned to time.news for further updates on Lancashire’s preparations for the upcoming season and the latest developments in the world of cricket. Share your thoughts on Mott’s appointment in the comments below.
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