Stokes and Moeen to coach Lions white-ball tour

England Test captain Ben Stokes and experienced all-rounder Moeen Ali are set to play key roles off the field as part of the England Lions coaching staff for their upcoming white-ball tour against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates next month.

The tour will see the Lions compete in a three-match T20 series followed by five 50-over matches against Pakistan’s second-string side, offering a valuable development opportunity for England’s emerging talent as preparations continue for future international competitions.

Stokes, who is currently recovering from an adductor injury sustained during the fifth Test against Australia earlier this month, will use the trip to the UAE to continue his rehabilitation. While he will not feature as a player, his presence within the coaching group is expected to provide invaluable leadership, insight and tactical support to the young squad.

For Moeen Ali, the tour marks an important new chapter in his cricketing journey. The former England international will take on his first formal coaching role with the England Lions, transitioning from a long and distinguished playing career into mentoring the next generation of players.

Moeen retired from international cricket in 2024 after representing England in 298 matches across formats, becoming one of the most influential all-rounders of his era. Earlier this week, he also revealed that he had scrapped plans to retire from domestic cricket, instead signing for Yorkshire, a move that underlines his ongoing commitment to the game both on and off the field.

Both Moeen and Stokes will work alongside head coach Andrew Flintoff, forming a high-profile coaching group that blends modern leadership with vast international experience. Flintoff, himself a former England captain and all-rounder, will oversee the tour as the Lions continue to develop players capable of stepping into senior international roles.

The coaching team for the tour is packed with expertise. Troy Cooley, England’s elite national pace bowling lead, rejoined the England set-up last week and will play a major role in overseeing the fast bowlers. Former South Africa batter Neil McKenzie brings valuable batting knowledge, while ex-England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor will contribute her expertise in keeping and fielding.

Also included are former Durham seamer Neil Killeen and Amar Rashid, brother of England leg-spinner Adil Rashid. Amar has earned a strong reputation through his coaching work in England’s development pathways and will join the Lions staff for part of the tour before returning to the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA).

On the playing side, Jordan Cox and Dan Mousley have been named captains for the tour, leading the T20 and 50-over squads respectively. The series marks the Lions’ first away white-ball tour since their visit to Sri Lanka in 2022, making it an important test for the group in unfamiliar conditions.

Several players with senior international experience have been included to add balance and leadership to the squads. Saqib Mahmood, who has represented England at the highest level, is named in the T20 squad, while Matthew Potts will feature in the 50-over matches. Their presence is expected to help guide younger teammates through the demands of international-style cricket.

Sam Cook, the Essex seamer who earned his only Test cap against Zimbabwe last summer, has been selected in both squads. Cook missed out on the Lions touring party that shadowed the Ashes squad, making this tour an important opportunity for him to reassert his credentials.

Highly rated youngsters such as James Rew, Asa Tribe, and James Coles have also been included, highlighting the England and Wales Cricket Board’s focus on long-term development. Scott Currie has earned selection as well, following his omission from Scotland’s T20 World Cup squad, giving him a chance to impress within the England pathway.

ECB men’s performance director Ed Barney expressed his enthusiasm about the strength and balance of the touring group.

“It’s exciting to have such a strong England Lions squad selected,” Barney said. “This group brings together proven performers, exciting young talent who have impressed over the winter, and players who fit into our future plans.”

He also emphasized the importance of the series in the broader context of England’s white-ball ambitions.

“With limited opportunities in 50-over cricket, this series, combined with further tours throughout 2026, will give players valuable chances to develop as we build towards the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup in South Africa,” he added.

Amar Rashid’s inclusion has also been welcomed by those at SACA, where he has played a key role in developing South Asian talent within English cricket. SACA founder Tom Brown praised Rashid’s appointment, calling it recognition of his coaching ability and impact.

“We’ve seen exactly what Amar is capable of as a coach, so it comes as no surprise that his skills have been recognised by those running the Lions set-up,” Brown said. “At SACA, we are incredibly proud of the opportunities we’ve helped create—not just for our players, but for our coaches as well.”

The tour is set to begin with the first T20 match on 21 February, with members of the coaching staff attending either all or part of the tour depending on availability and responsibilities.

With a blend of elite coaching, experienced leadership and emerging talent, the England Lions’ series against Pakistan Shaheens promises to be a crucial step in shaping England’s future white-ball contenders.

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