Ireland appoint Trott as short-term consultant ahead of Afghanistan ODI series

Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott has been appointed as a short-term consultant for the Ireland men's team ahead of the five-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The Cricket Ireland has confirmed the development.

His appointment comes at a crucial stage for Ireland as they begin preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2027. He will spend 14 days with the squad, supporting preparations for the series and advising the team during the opening two ODIs against Afghanistan.

A warm welcome to 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙩 🙌

Jonathan joins the Ireland Men's set-up in a short-term consultancy role ahead of the Afghanistan Men's series.

Read more: https://t.co/Xy5kXVbcJ9#WelcomeTrotty #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/hWXL5DMhiW

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) July 14, 2026

The Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, Graeme West, said that Trott's inclusion in the management will bring a wealth of knowledge.

"The upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is critical to Ireland Men's squad's preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in early 2027," he said.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a world-class coach into the senior team environment, offering a wealth of current knowledge on the opposition. Having worked with the Afghanistan squad, Jonathan is perfectly placed to support our strategic planning for the series, providing our players and staff with a new perspective - expanding their skills, knowledge and understanding of 50-over cricket," added West.

On the other hand, there are rumours that Trott's name is being linked with England's vacant Test coaching position after Brendon McCullum's departure.

IRE vs AFG ODIs: Dates and venues

The first ODI match between Ireland and Afghanistan will be played on August 5 at the Bready Cricket Club Ground in the village of Magheramason. The second clash will be played at the same venue on August 7. The Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast will host the third clash on August 10. The fourth and fifth ODI matches between the teams will be played on August 12 and 15 at the same venue.

The series follows Ireland's historic first-ever bilateral series victory over India, achieved with a 2-0 sweep in a T20I series in Belfast.

(With ANI Inputs)