TAUNTON — Somerset County Cricket Club has bolstered its coaching staff with a significant appointment, bringing in former England Test opener Mark Stoneman as their new batting coach. The 36-year-old left-hander, who retired from professional cricket at the end of the 2023 season, will join Head Coach Jason Kerr’s backroom team ahead of the 2024 campaign, bringing a wealth of first-class experience and a fresh perspective to the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Stoneman’s transition from player to coach has been a swift and deliberate one. After concluding a distinguished 17-year playing career that saw him represent Durham, Surrey, Middlesex, and Glamorgan, and earn 11 Test caps for England, he immediately moved into coaching with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). His new role at Somerset, however, marks his first permanent position with a first-class county, signalling a new chapter for both the club and the former batter.
A Seamless Transition from the Middle
The appointment is seen as a coup for Somerset, who have been seeking to strengthen their coaching structure following the departure of former batting coach Greg Kennis. Stoneman’s recent retirement means his knowledge of the contemporary county game, its pressures, and its techniques is utterly current. He is not a coach recalling a distant era, but one who understands the modern-day challenges faced by batters at the sharp end of the County Championship, the Vitality Blast, and The Hundred.
In an official statement released by the club, Stoneman expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge: "I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Somerset. It’s a fantastic club with a brilliant fan base and a talented group of players. Having just finished playing, I feel I can relate to the current crop of batters and I’m looking forward to working with them and helping them to develop their games. The opportunity to work under Jason Kerr and alongside the other coaches was a big draw for me."
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, was equally effusive, highlighting the specific qualities Stoneman brings. "Mark’s experience and knowledge of the game are second to none," Hurry said. "He has played at the very highest level and has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in all formats. His recent transition from player to coach means he has a very relatable and contemporary perspective which will be invaluable for our batting group."
What Stoneman Brings to the Table
Stoneman’s career is a testament to resilience and high performance. He amassed over 15,000 first-class runs at an average of 35.26, including 34 centuries. His journey from a prolific county opener with Durham—where he won two Championship titles—to an England Test player in 2017, and then a key figure at Surrey and beyond, gives him a unique holistic view. He understands the pathway, the mental hurdles of international cricket, and the grind of the county schedule.
His immediate focus will be on a Somerset batting lineup brimming with talent but seeking greater consistency. The group includes established stars like Tom Lammonby and Tom Abell, exciting young prospects like James Rew—who broke numerous wicketkeeping records in 2023—and the experienced Sean Dickson. Stoneman’s role will be to hone their techniques and, crucially, their game management.
Key areas where his expertise is expected to be pivotal include:
- Red-ball foundation: Building innings and constructing long, match-winning scores in the County Championship.
- White-ball adaptability: Refining power-hitting and innovative strokeplay for the Blast and One-Day Cup.
- Mental conditioning: Drawing on his own experiences to help players navigate form slumps and pressure situations.
The Bigger Picture for Somerset
This appointment is part of a strategic reshuffle for Somerset, who are determined to convert their perennial contender status into tangible silverware. The club came agonisingly close in 2023, finishing as runners-up in both the County Championship and the T20 Blast. The addition of Stoneman is a clear move to add the final few percentage points of improvement, specifically targeting batting performances in crunch moments.
Head Coach Jason Kerr emphasised the collaborative nature of the new setup. "Mark’s insights will be incredibly valuable," Kerr stated. "He has a brilliant cricket brain and a calm, thoughtful manner. He will work closely with me and the other coaches to create an environment where our batters can thrive. Having someone who has so recently been in the trenches gives him instant credibility."
The move also reflects a growing trend in county cricket of integrating recently retired professionals into coaching roles. Their up-to-date tactical awareness, familiarity with current players, and understanding of the modern dressing room dynamic can provide a significant edge. For Stoneman, it’s a chance to impart the lessons from a career that had its share of highs and lows.
A New Chapter for Stoneman
For Mark Stoneman, the Somerset role is the perfect next step. It allows him to remain immersed in the professional game he loves while shaping the next generation. In his own words, he sees this as a reciprocal relationship. "I’m here to help, but I’m also here to learn," he admitted. "Coaching is a new challenge, and I’m excited to develop my skills in this area. Somerset has a reputation for playing positive, attractive cricket, and I want to help the batters express themselves with confidence and clarity."
His first major task will be to prepare the squad for the opening County Championship match against Kent at Canterbury in early April. All eyes will be on how the Somerset top order fares, with Stoneman’s influence likely to be a topic of keen interest. If he can translate his proven grit and class at the crease into effective guidance from the sidelines, Somerset’s quest for that elusive first Championship title since 1979 may just receive its most timely boost.
The appointment has been met with positivity from the Somerset membership and the wider cricket community. It represents a forward-thinking move by the club’s hierarchy, betting on the modern insight of a player who, until very recently, was battling the very bowlers his new charges will now face. As the 2024 season dawns, the partnership between this historic club and its new batting coach will be one of the defining narratives at Taunton.