(Cricket News) During the first nine days of the England Lions tour to India (10–18 January), Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik will serve as batting consultant for the team. The tour will start with a two-day warm-up match on January 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground ‘B,’ Ahmedabad. The first four-day match will take place at the same venue on January 17.
England Men’s Performance Director Mo Bobat said, “I am sure the lads will love spending time with him and benefiting from his experience of what it takes to be successful at Test level in India. It is fantastic to have Dinesh Karthik with us for a part of our prep period and leading into the first Test.”
Former England cricket player Ian Bell will take over for Karthik in the role on January 18. Along with Bell, his teammate Graeme Swann, who was instrumental in England’s Test series victory over India during the 2012 tour, will be a member of the coaching staff as a mentor and will accompany the team for the duration of the tour.
The 38-year-old has been associated with Sky Sports and has been part of the commentary team during the World Test Championship final and the Ashes held in England in 2023.
“Ian Bell and Graeme Swann, who both bring fantastic experiences to their respective coaching and mentoring roles, have spent time around our Lions environments over the past year and will be well-placed to continue supporting the players, many of whom they already know well,” Bobat stated.
See also: Virat Kohli to Miss 1st T20I match against Afghanistan
