MANCHESTER — In a significant move to bolster their white-ball ambitions, Lancashire Cricket have appointed former England white-ball head coach Matthew Mott as a specialist T20 coaching consultant for the 2024 Vitality Blast campaign.
The 50-year-old Australian, who led England to the 2022 T20 World Cup title, will work alongside head coach Dale Benkenstein and the playing squad, focusing specifically on strategy and preparation for the shortest format. His appointment signals a clear intent from the Red Rose to end a trophy drought in the Blast that stretches back to 2015.
A Strategic Acquisition for the Blast
Mott’s arrival at Emirates Old Trafford comes just weeks after his departure from the England role following a disappointing defence of their 50-over World Cup title in India. Lancashire have moved swiftly to secure his expertise, recognising a unique opportunity to bring a world-class tactical mind into their setup for a defined period. Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, emphasised the targeted nature of the appointment, stating, "Matthew’s experience in the short-form game is second to none, and we are delighted that he has agreed to join us in a consultancy role for our T20 campaign this season."
The consultancy model is becoming increasingly popular in county cricket, allowing clubs to inject high-level, specialist knowledge without the commitment of a full-time contract. For Mott, it offers a return to the domestic fray and a chance to work hands-on with players in a competitive environment, a contrast to the international calendar’s relentless travel and planning cycles.
Mott's Pedigree and Lancashire's Ambition
Matthew Mott’s credentials in white-ball cricket are formidable. Before his stint with England, he was the architect of one of the most dominant eras in international cricket, coaching the Australian women’s team to an unprecedented period of success. Under his guidance, the team won:
- The 2018 and 2020 T20 World Cups
- The 2022 50-over World Cup
- A historic, record-breaking 26-match ODI winning streak
This proven track record in building winning cultures and executing in high-pressure tournaments is precisely what Lancashire are seeking. The club possesses a powerful T20 squad on paper, featuring explosive talents like:
- Liam Livingstone, a global T20 superstar
- Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain (when available)
- Spin wizard Tom Hartley, fresh from his England Test breakthrough
- Pace bowler Luke Wood, a seasoned T20 operator
Yet, the team has consistently fallen short in the knockout stages. Mott’s role will be to refine the squad’s strategic approach, helping to bridge the gap between potential and silverware. As Chilton noted, "We have a talented T20 squad and believe Matthew can help us gain the edge in crucial moments."
Focus on Strategy and Knockout Mentality
Insiders suggest Mott’s consultancy will not focus on technical batting or bowling tweaks, but on the broader, game-defining aspects of T20 cricket. His key areas of influence are expected to include:
- Match-ups and Tactical Flexibility: Deepening the use of data to inform bowling changes and batting order flexibility, a hallmark of his successful teams.
- Knockout Psychology: Instilling a mentality geared for must-win games, drawing on his extensive experience in World Cup semi-finals and finals.
- Role Clarity: Ensuring every player, from star to specialist, understands their specific function within the team’s game plan.
This appointment also alleviates pressure on head coach Dale Benkenstein, allowing him to manage the broader first-team programme across all formats while knowing the T20 unit has dedicated, expert oversight. It creates a leadership structure similar to a football club bringing in a set-piece specialist coach.
The Broader County Coaching Landscape
Lancashire’s move is indicative of a trend where counties seek to augment their permanent staff with short-term, high-impact specialists. Other counties have utilised former internationals in similar advisory roles, but securing a coach of Mott’s recent standing at the very top of the international game is a coup. It reflects both the financial power of the larger counties and the increasing professionalisation of the Blast, which remains a fiercely competitive and financially crucial tournament.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Campaign
The immediate focus for Mott and the Lancashire squad will be a strong start to the Blast, which begins in late May. The North Group is notoriously tough, featuring rivals like Yorkshire, Birmingham Bears, and defending champions Somerset. Mott’s experience in tournament navigation will be tested from the outset.
For Matthew Mott, this role represents a chance to reconnect with the day-to-day coaching of players and to reaffirm his reputation as a tactical leader after a challenging end with England. In a statement, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I’m really excited to be joining Lancashire for the T20 Blast. It’s a club with a rich history and a very talented squad."
He added, "I’m looking forward to working with Dale, the staff, and the players to help them achieve their goals in the competition. The Blast is a fantastic tournament, and Emirates Old Trafford is a brilliant venue for T20 cricket, so I can’t wait to get started." The success of this consultancy will be measured purely in results. If Lancashire can finally lift the Blast trophy at Edgbaston in July, Matthew Mott’s brief tenure will be deemed a masterstroke.