Lewis confirmed as Under-19 head coach

Jon Lewis, the former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler, has been named as the head coach of the ECB's Young Lions programme, following his interim role at the recent Under-19 World Cup.

Lewis, who had previously been assistant coach at Sussex, will take up his new position in April, at the start of the English domestic season.

He succeeds Andy Hurry, who returned to Somerset in December as Director of Cricket after three years in the U19 role. Lewis's first engagements will be two youth Tests and three ODIs against South Africa this summer.

David Parsons, the ECB's performance director, said: "After a full and open recruitment process, Jon was an outstanding candidate for the role after his work on our International Pathway over the last couple of years, most recently as head coach at the ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand. We've been impressed by his leadership, his ability to build relationships, and the high standards and expectations he sets.

"We should also recognise Sussex's considerable contribution to English cricket through the development opportunities they have provided to coaches such as Jon, Carl Hopkinson, Mark Robinson and Peter Moores."

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me by Sussex since I joined in 2013," said Lewis. "Sussex will always have a special place in heart.

"Since taking on the fast-bowling coaching position in 2014, I am very proud of my achievements, from helping grow million-dollar cricketers in [Jofra] Archer and [Tymal] Mills, to developing a youth pathway so our young fast bowlers can see a way to become future Sussex and England cricketers.

"Looking ahead, the Young Lions position is a great opportunity for me to lead my own programme and work with the best young cricketers in the country, whilst continuing to develop my fast bowling and head coach skills within the England pathway."