Michael Yardy joins Kent as batting coach ahead of 2020 season

The England World Cup winner leaves New South Wales after just a season and will begin his new role in Canterbury in April

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Kent have appointed former England international Michael Yardy as batting coach ahead of the new campaign.

The 39-year-old will leave New South Wales after a single campaign and start his new role in Canterbury in April.

As well as working with the senior squad, Yardy will also oversee batting programmes for Kent's most talented youngsters during the winter.

Having previously spent time coaching at Sussex, where he spent his entire 15-year professional career, Yardy has also worked with the England Young Lions.

Yardy played 28 one-day internationals and 14 T20s for England and was part of the squad which won the 20-over World Cup in 2010.

Jonathan Trott had occupied the role as batting lead during parts of last season but did not apply for the job full time.

"I am very much looking forward to joining the coaching staff at Kent at an exciting time for the club," said Yardy, who scored 10,693 first-class runs during his career. 

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"There is an excellent batting group with significant potential and my aim is to work with the players to challenge for trophies in the coming years & develop International batsmen at the club.

"I’ve spent the past 7 months working with New South Wales and Sydney Thunder and have hugely enjoyed my time with the players and coaching staff and feel privileged to have worked with such a prestigious organisation.

"I look forward to continuing my coaching at Kent under the excellent leadership of Matt Walker."

The appointment of Yardy is the latest alteration behind the scenes at Kent, following the return of Simon Cook as bowling coach and Allan Donald's departure as assistant.

Director of cricket Paul Downton added: "I am absolutely delighted that Mike will be joining our new-look coaching team ahead of the 2020 season.

"We now have two exceptional young coaches in Mike Yardy and Simon Cook to support head coach Matt Walker as we look to challenge in both the County Championship and white ball competitions."

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