(Image Source: Getty Images)
[Saba Sports News] Lancashire County Cricket Club has appointed Dale Benkenstein, a former first-team coach at Gloucestershire and South African all-rounder, as their new head coach. He succeeds Glen Chapple, who led Lancashire for seven years.
Benkenstein, known for his right-handed batting, previously served as a consultant batting coach at Lancashire in 2021 and was also involved with South Africa’s coaching staff from 2017 to 2019. His initial head coaching stint was with Hampshire, guiding them to Division One promotion in 2014 and two Vitality Blast Finals Day appearances.
Despite mixed results at Gloucestershire, with only two wins in 28 County Championship games during 2022 and 2023, Benkenstein expressed excitement about joining Lancashire, a club he admires for its resilient teams and proud history. He looks forward to implementing his vision and working with the club’s talented players.
“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to become Head Coach of Lancashire Cricket. It is a county with a proud history and tradition and it’s an exciting time to be joining the club. Lancashire is a county that I’ve always admired for doing things the right way and has always produced teams that are resilient and difficult to beat. It is a hugely talented group of players to work with and I am really excited to be part of that and to bring my own vision to Emirates Old Trafford,” Benkenstein shared.
“It’s a new challenge for me personally and one which I can’t wait to get stuck into. I am looking forward to meeting the players and staff in the new year and continuing the squad’s preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign.”
Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance, welcomed Benkenstein’s appointment, highlighting his experience, leadership skills, and track record in developing young talent and contributing to winning teams at Durham and Hampshire. Chilton anticipates collaborating with Benkenstein to build on the club’s recent progress and lead a promising group of players.
“We are delighted to secure Dale as our new men’s head coach. He joins us with a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I believe Dale is the right person to move us forward and into our next chapter. “He is a fantastic fit for what we’re trying to achieve, has demonstrable leadership ability, a strong record of developing and nurturing young, talented players to fulfil their potential and has also been part of winning teams, particularly at Durham and Hampshire. “I am looking forward to working with Dale and welcoming him to Emirates Old Trafford in the new year, as we continue to build on the foundations that have been laid in recent years with an exciting group of players,” Chilton said.