Chris Guest, the current head coach of The Blaze, has been named the new Performance Lead for England Women’s U19 team.
Guest, who is 40 years old, spent three years coaching Loughborough Lightning before taking charge of The Blaze after their move to Nottinghamshire in 2022. Under his leadership, The Blaze won this season’s Charlotte Edwards Cup.
Background and Experience
In addition to his regional work, Guest also led the England Women U19 team in the 2023 World Cup. He was also in charge during the U19 tri-series between England, Australia, and Sri Lanka earlier this year. Guest has further experience as an assistant coach for the Northern Superchargers in the first three seasons of The Hundred.
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New Role and Responsibilities
In his new role, Guest will continue coaching, focusing on preparing the U19 Women’s team for the T20 World Cup in Malaysia next year. He will also be in charge of finding and developing young talent through both the academy and senior programmes, which will be key for England’s U19 team.
Guest has worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in youth development coaching at Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
Chris Guest’s Thoughts
Speaking about his appointment, Guest said, “It has been an honour to represent the Three Lions over the past few years, and this new role is incredibly exciting. As the women’s game continues to grow, it’s a privilege to be in a position to ensure young players get the opportunities they need. I’m very passionate about this.“
He also reflected on his time at The Blaze, saying, “I’ve enjoyed every moment at The Blaze. It’s been a key part of my growth as a coach, and I wish them all the best for the future.“
Praise from Colleagues
Richard Bedbrook, Head of England Women’s Performance Pathways, shared his enthusiasm for Guest’s appointment: “We’re thrilled to have Chris on the team. His experience in the women’s game and his strong connections with our domestic teams will help us develop the best young talent in the country. He has already made a big impact in our previous U19 environments, and we’re excited to see him continue to inspire the next generation.“
Jonathan Finch, Director of England Women’s Cricket, added, “The U19 Women’s T20 World Cup is a fantastic chance for our young players to face international competition. Chris’s appointment strengthens our ability to support these players by working closely with counties to ensure they receive the best guidance as they progress towards international cricket.”
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