Mark Ramprakash to leave role as England lead batting coach

Ramprakash said he feels it is the right time to move on from the role he has occupied for six years

England national lead batting coach Mark Ramprakash is to leave the ECB next month in search of other career opportunities, with former England batsman Graham Thorpe his replacement.

Former England international Ramprakash, who played 52 Tests, has been involved with the men's set-up over the past six years and has worked with players across the senior side and the pathways, which include the Lions and the Under-19s.

It was announced in March that the 49-year-old would not form part of the Ashes coaching set-up, given managing director Ashley Giles' desire to move the side in another direction.

Ramprakash said: "I feel the time is now right for me to move on from my role at the ECB and seek to further and broaden my career.

^{Graham Thorpe will replace Ramprakash as batting coach}

"The last six years have been a hugely enjoyable time of my life. In that time, I have been privileged to be able to support, encourage and mentor the Young Lions, England Lions and the England test and ODI teams.

"To have worked with the best players, alongside a variety of world-class coaches and support staff, has given me vast experience, which I will build on in the future. I want to thank them for the opportunity. Many have become friends for life.

"Finally, I wish the ECB and England cricket team all the best for the future."

Commenting on the decision, Ashley Giles, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said:

"Mark has been an integral part of our coaching set-up over the past six years and has done an excellent job in developing players for the international arena. We both felt it was the right time for him to leave. He is ambitious and highly regarded in the game, and we wish him well in the next chapter of his coaching career."

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