Chris Liddle added to England Women staff as performance pace bowling coach

The 39-year-old has been on Northamptonshire's coaching staff since 2020, serving as assistant head coach and lead fast bowling coach, and has also worked with Netherlands, Sunrisers and London Spirit's women's side

Elizabeth Botcherby | 10/11/2023 at 12:13

Chris Liddle has been appointed performance pace bowling coach for England Women.

The former Leicestershire, Sussex and Gloucestershire bowler joins Jon Lewis' coaching team from Northamptonshire, where he served as assistant head coach and lead fast bowling coach.

He has also worked with Netherlands at various men's T20I tournaments while in the women's game, he has spent the past two seasons with London Spirit and worked with regional side Sunrisers during the off-season in his capacity as a Northamptonshire coach.

The 39-year-old's appointment comes hot on the heels of the addition of Alex Gidman as assistant coach. Liddle, like Gidman, is a former teammate of Lewis, with the pair playing together at Sussex.

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^{Liddle enjoyed a 17-year playing career with Leicestershire, Sussex and Gloucestershire [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

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^{Liddle has been on Northamptonshire's coaching staff since 2020 [David Rogers/Getty Images]}

"I'd like to say a big thank you to Northamptonshire. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and working with the players and all the backroom staff," Liddle said.

"It's been great to see and support the development of individuals over the years and the success of the team along the way, especially with the improvements in the bowling attacks wicket taking ability in T20 cricket. I'd like to wish Sads (John Sadler) and the team the very best.

"It's an incredibly exciting time to be joining England Women and I'm really looking forward to getting started. The demand on the fast bowlers has increased over the years and I want to be able to provide them with the skills required to grow and develop to be successful over a long period of time."

Director of England Women's cricket, Jonathan Finch, added: "This role is pivotal in developing pace bowlers across the pathway and we are excited by the impact Chris will have as we look to support more players on their journey to play international cricket.

"Chris' experience across multiple international and domestic tournaments, along with his knowledge of pace bowling only adds to the coaching team we have been able to put in place.

"I would also like to thank Northamptonshire in allowing Chris to make the move to his new role so quickly and support our preparation for the upcoming tour to India."