Jim Troughton joins Somerset as assistant coach

The 42-year old had a successful playing career with Warwickshire, captaining them to the County Championship in 2012, and later served as their head coach

Somerset have appointed Jim Troughton as their assistant coach ahead of the 2021 season.

He has joined the club on a seven-month fixed term contract and will assist second XI coach, Greg Kennis, in the preparation, development and performance of the second XI squad as well as working one-to-one with players.

As a player, Troughton captained Warwickshire to the County Championship in 2012 and played six ODIs for England. He later served as head coach at the Edgbaston-based county before leaving the role in summer 2020.

Commenting on his new role, Troughton said: "Once I heard that Somerset were taking applications, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get myself back into the game at a club that is in a really good place.

"Somerset have got a really exciting squad at the moment and it’s a very well-run club. I’ve worked with [SCCC director of cricket] Andy Hurry before with the England Under 19s in Dubai back in 2014. He’s an honest guy who is very supportive and he knows what the culture and history of the club is all about.

"The performances that the players have been putting in on the field have been very good over the last few years and now it’s really important to make sure that the next generation are ready to make that step up to first cricket.

"It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to joining up with Jason Kerr and the coaching staff."

Meanwhile, head coach, Jason Kerr, added: "Being able to bring someone of the calibre of Jim Troughton to Somerset is an indication of where we are as a club at the moment and we’re really looking forward to working with him this summer.

"He’s incredibly experienced and he will be an extremely valuable resource for our up-and-coming players and also for our more established professionals. He has a good reputation within the game and there are a lot of advantages to having him in our environment."

Subscribe today and receive The Cricketer’s centenary issue – six issues for £19.21. Click here