Jonathan Trott has signalled an ambition to coach England in the future, while insisting his immediate focus is on rest after concluding his tenure with Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup campaign ended on Friday, bringing to a close Trott’s three and a half year spell in charge. Appointed in July 2022, he guided the side to sixth place at the 2023 ODI World Cup and to the semi finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Those results led to roles in franchise cricket with Pretoria Capitals in 2024-25 and Gulf Giants in 2025-26.
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum remains in position despite scrutiny following defeat in the Ashes. Results in the remainder of the T20 World Cup are expected to shape his immediate future.
When asked about specific ambitions, Trott resisted being drawn.
“I’m not going to let you put words in my mouth,” Trott said, when asked whether there was a specific coaching job he’d like to do in the future.
“But, you know, I’ve really enjoyed this. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I have a couple of days off and see how it goes. And I look forward to seeing how the rest of the World Cup goes. I wish we were still here and able to play in the next round.”
Born in Cape Town, Trott played 127 matches for England between 2009 and 2015. He averaged 44.08 in 52 Tests, primarily at number three, and 51.25 in 68 one day internationals. He featured in three successive Ashes series wins, including the 2010-11 campaign in Australia, when England rose to number one in the ICC Test rankings. He also represented England at the 2011 World Cup.
“I am very proud of the way I played my career, and always like to see the England side do well,” he said. “I’d love to one day, hopefully, have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart. There are a lot of people that I’m sure would love to do that job. So yeah, we’ll have to see. But I just want to enjoy my coaching. And, you know, I’ve certainly enjoyed the last couple of years here.”
Trott’s original contract with Afghanistan covered 18 months. It was extended by 12 months in 2024 and again through 2025. In his closing remarks, he urged the development of greater fast bowling depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, while acknowledging the progress made with the bat.
“I’ve often said to the players, it’s not being able to win route-one. It’s being able to win different kinds of ways, or win ugly.”