Chris Brown named Ireland's high-performance spin bowling coach

Chris Brown, 49, is a former Lancashire CCC professional (1994-1997), who also played for the Unicorns, Cheshire and captained Norfolk (he took over 500 Championship wickets for them and scored over 2,000 runs). Brown, played four first-class and nine List-A matches, retiring in 2018 to move into coaching full-time.

During his playing career, the former off-spinner was part of the ECB’s Spin Bowling programme, spent time at the ICC Americas High-Performance Academy (in St Kitts & Barbados), and was selected by the Head of ECB Elite Coach Development to spend six weeks in Colombo, Sri Lanka, researching the development of spin bowling. Brown also delivers on the Spin Programme for the ECB’s Level 3 (Advanced) and Level IV (Specialist) Coach Education courses.

Brown’s role will span both the senior men’s and women’s programmes, and will also work with the talent pathway system to support the development of emerging spin talent across Ireland.

Brown will officially start his new role on 2 January 2024, however, will work with the Irish set-up during December on a consultancy basis.

 Speaking about his appointment, Chris Brown said:

 “I am delighted and honoured to be joining Cricket Ireland and can’t wait to get started. It’s been an ambition of mine to work with an ICC Test playing Nation on a full-time basis and with the increasing demands across all formats for spin bowlers, I’m excited to be able to provide the current and emerging players, the skills and mindset to inspire them, allowing them to grow and develop to be successful over a long period of time.

 I would like to thank Mo Bobat, David Court and Alun Powell at the ECB for the opportunities that have helped me shape my coaching career to date allowing me to transition into working full time in the International arena, and to Lewis Denmark from the Norfolk Cricket Board who has provided exceptional support in conjunction with leading the pathway.

 About Brown’s appointment, Heinrich Malan, Ireland Men’s head coach said:

 “We are delighted to appoint Chris as the new High Performance Spin Bowling Coach – his breadth of knowledge and experience will be an absolute asset to the Irish performance system.

 “As we move into an era when spin variations in white ball cricket are becoming essential and playing in spin-friendly conditions is fast becoming the norm for our teams, it is important that we develop our capacity to bring through spinners skilled and prepared for the international stage. Some great groundwork was undertaken by Nathan Hauritz in establishing the role, now to bring Chris in will, I believe, take the development side of our current and emerging spinners to the next level.

“Chris’ experience within the ECB’s system is key, but his broader development and leadership roles around the world give him a rounded perspective of spin bowling in varied conditions. We look forward to working him and thank the Norfolk Cricket Board and the ECB for their cooperation in Chris’ transition across to Cricket Ireland.”