Dinesh Karthik to assist England Lions' coaching staff during India tour

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to join the England Lions' coaching set-up during their tour of India. Karthik, who had notable stints with the Indian team on tours of England and the 2019 World Cup, will play a crucial role as a batting consultant, providing his insights into the Indian conditions. Scheduled to assist the squad for the initial nine days, Karthik's inclusion is seen as a valuable addition to the coaching team led by head coach, Neil Killeen.

The squad, captained by Josh Bohannon, comprises a mix of experienced players like Alex Lees and emerging talents such as James Rew and Ollie Price. With the Lions set to play three four-day matches against India A in Ahmedabad, Karthik's expertise becomes pivotal in preparing the team for the challenging series. Notably, his role will also cover for Ian Bell, another batting consultant, who will join the squad later in January, after completing his coaching stint with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.

Reflecting on the coaching line-up, Mo Bobat, England Men's Performance Director, expressed confidence in the group's diverse experiences. "It's great to have such a strong coaching group supporting our players for what should be an exciting challenge versus India A. Neil Killeen did an excellent job leading the Lions in Sri Lanka last year and will assume head coach responsibilities again,” Bobat said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

Joining Karthik in the coaching ensemble is Graeme Swann, the former England spinner, who will be present as a mentor. Swann and Ian Bell, both crucial members of the England Test team that triumphed in India in 2012-13, bring a wealth of experience to guide the young Lions.

"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," Bobat acknowledged the fantastic experiences that Bell and Swann bring to their roles.

England Lions will lock horns with India 'A' beginning on January 17

Interestingly enough, the preparation of England Lions will coincide with the senior squad's Test tour of India, the coaching team, including Dinesh Karthik, is expected to play a vital role in shaping up the players for the challenging encounters. Karthik's involvement is particularly significant, given his firsthand experience of playing cricket in India, and the squad is looking forward to benefiting from his insights as they gear up for the upcoming matches.

Notably, England Lions will play their first unofficial Test against India 'A' side in Ahmedabad which will commence on January 17.