England name Durham stalwart Neil Killeen as fast bowling coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have appointed Neil Killeen as the national men’s team’s fast bowling coach. Killeen is set to replace Jon Lewis and will take up his new role on January 18 to work across the England men’s pathway programmes.

The 47-year-old ends his long-term association with Durham, his home county, after 30 years to fill the vacant spot after Lewis left his position in November. It is understood that Killeen will focus on developing and preparing the next generation into professional cricketers with high standards.

Can’t wait to get started with a new challenge: Neil Killeen

“I’m delighted to be appointed Elite Pace Bowling Coach with the ECB and can’t wait to get started with a new challenge. It’s an exciting time to be joining the ECB, as there is a wealth of fast-bowling talent and coaching around the country that I’m looking forward to working with in order to maintain England’s strong contingent of pace bowlers in the future,” Killeen was quoted by a cricket news website.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at Durham for the continued support both as a player and a coach over the last 30 years, it has been a great journey. A big thank you also to all the members for their continued support throughout my career. I look forward to returning and watching alongside them in the future. It has been an honour to represent the club and I would like to wish them continued success for the future,” he added.

Killeen featured in over 350 matches across formats from 1992 to 2010 before he took up coaching roles. In addition, he was the Durham’s assistant lead and head bowling coach in his most recent role. Killeen is credited for the development of Test skipper Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts at Durham. He also worked with England’s ODI squad, England Lions, and England U19s as well in the past.