LONDON — Former England batter Mark Ramprakash has stepped down from his role as batting coach at Middlesex, ending a five-year association with the county. The 54-year-old, who played 52 Tests and 18 ODIs for England, joined Middlesex’s coaching staff in 2019 and played a key role in developing the county’s batting lineup.
Ramprakash’s departure comes amid a period of transition for Middlesex, who were relegated from Division One of the County Championship in 2023. In a statement, the club thanked Ramprakash for his contributions, saying, "Mark has been an integral part of our coaching setup, and his expertise and dedication have been invaluable to our players."
A Storied Career in Cricket
Ramprakash, one of the most technically gifted batters of his generation, enjoyed a prolific first-class career spanning 25 years. He scored over 35,000 first-class runs, including 114 centuries, and was known for his meticulous approach to batting. After retiring in 2012, he transitioned into coaching, working with the England Lions and later the senior England men’s team as batting coach from 2014 to 2019.
His tenure at Middlesex saw the emergence of several young batters, including Max Holden and Jack Davies, who credited Ramprakash with refining their techniques. Holden, who scored over 1,000 Championship runs in 2023, said, "Working with Ramps has been a game-changer for me. His attention to detail is unmatched."
Challenges and Transition at Middlesex
Ramprakash’s exit follows a difficult season for Middlesex, who struggled in both red and white-ball cricket. The club has since appointed Richard Johnson as interim head coach while searching for a permanent replacement for Stuart Law, who left in 2023. Ramprakash’s departure is seen as part of a broader restructuring effort.
Key challenges Middlesex faced under Ramprakash’s coaching tenure included:
- Inconsistent batting performances in the County Championship
- A lack of depth in the middle order
- Difficulty adapting to different match situations
Despite these struggles, Ramprakash remained a respected figure in the dressing room. Middlesex captain Toby Roland-Jones said, "Mark’s knowledge of the game is incredible, and he’s been a huge support to all of us."
What’s Next for Ramprakash?
While Ramprakash has not yet announced his next move, speculation suggests he could return to broadcasting, where he previously worked as a pundit for Sky Sports and the BBC. Alternatively, he may explore opportunities with other counties or in franchise cricket.
In a brief statement, Ramprakash said, "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Middlesex and am proud of the progress we’ve made. I’m now looking forward to new challenges."
Middlesex’s Search for a Replacement
With Ramprakash’s departure, Middlesex will need to fill a significant gap in their coaching staff. Potential candidates include former England batter Owais Shah, who has coaching experience in the IPL, and Surrey’s batting coach Neil Stewart.
The club’s CEO, Andrew Cornish, emphasized the importance of finding the right fit: "We’re committed to building a coaching team that can take us back to Division One and compete in white-ball cricket."
A Legacy of Excellence
Ramprakash leaves behind a legacy of excellence, both as a player and a coach. His technical expertise and passion for the game have left a lasting impact on Middlesex’s players. As the club moves forward, his contributions will be remembered as a key part of their recent history.
Reflecting on his time at Middlesex, Ramprakash added, "Coaching has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ll always cherish the relationships I’ve built here. I wish the club every success in the future."