Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has appointed former Australia coach Darren Lehmann as head coach on a two-year contract, succeeding John Sadler, who departed after the team’s Vitality Blast quarter-final loss. Lehmann, aged 54, will step into his new role at Wantage Road in February following his commentary duties with ABC over the Australian summer.
Lehmann, who scaled back coaching duties after a heart attack in 2020, is eager to guide Northants to success. He expressed excitement about working with a team “eager to improve and realise their aspirations,” highlighting the importance of building memories and reaching their highest potential. He assured fans that he would foster growth both on and off the field through an open-door policy, highlighting the club’s strong coaching staff, who will lead pre-season training before his arrival.
With a decorated career of over 100 games for Australia, Lehmann coached them to victory in the 2013-14 Ashes and led Brisbane Heat to their 2012-13 Big Bash League title. In addition, he has extensive experience in England, having both played and coached Yorkshire and managed the Northern Superchargers during the inaugural season of The Hundred.
Ray Payne, Northamptonshire's CEO, voiced his enthusiasm for Lehmann’s appointment, lauding his “experience, reputation, and coaching philosophy” as a perfect fit for the club’s ambitions. Payne underscored the club’s drive for excellence and the importance of Lehmann’s guidance to bring the men’s team back to Division One in the County Championship and achieve success in white-ball competitions. He also noted the club’s strong leadership in the women’s team under David Ripley, expressing confidence that this strategic direction would position Northamptonshire for future success and admiration.
With Lehmann at the helm, Northamptonshire is optimistic about reaching new heights and making their mark on the English cricket landscape.