Chris Guest is new England women U19 performance lead following his recent work as the head coach of team Blaze.
Chris Guest, 40, served three years as head coach of Loughborough Lightning, and latterly The Blaze. Recently, he led the squad to the Charlotte Edwards Cup triumph this season.
In addition to his regional responsibilities, he oversaw the England Women U19 World Cup campaign in 2023. And earlier this year’s U19 tri-series between Sri Lanka, England, and Australia as head coach.
In the last three iterations of The Hundred, he was also the Northern Superchargers’ assistant coach.
Apart from managing the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia the next year, Guest’s new position will involve teaching. It will also involve spearheading the process of identifying potential from senior programs and the academy, which will benefit England’s U19 efforts.
Guest has experience working as an ECB pathway coach in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
“The pride and excitement of wearing the Three Lions over last few years has been immense. And to be able to do so in this new role is an incredible feeling,” Guest said.
“With the growth of the women’s game, it’s a privilege to take on this role as it will focus on ensuring our young cricketers get the cricket they need at the right time which I am extremely passionate about.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Blaze. It’s a great place to work and has been massive part of my development and I wish them every success in the future.
Richard Bedbrook, the head of England Women Performance Pathways, said: “We are delighted to have Chris on board.
“He has vast experience in the women’s game, strong relationships with and knowledge of all our domestic teams. This new full-time role will allow him to help shape the development of our highest potential players in a collaborative fashion before, during and after any international U19 activity.
“His qualities have hugely affected the previous England Women U19 environments. We are all looking forward to his inspirational methods influencing future programmes and systems in a positive way.”