By Jamie Mackin 

Lancashire Cricket announced a restructuring within the staff line-ups today as they confirmed several changes to their Elite Cricket Department ahead of the new 2021 season.

One of the biggest changes is Chris Benbow, who is being appointed as Head of Talent pathway, switching over from his previous position in the club as Second XI Head Coach.

Benbow who has been a Lancashire Head coach since 2016, oversaw title successes in Championship and T20 competitions in 2018 with Lancashire’s Second XI.

He is being replaced by Karl Krikken, former Lancashire Cricket Performance Manager and a previous Director of Cricket.

The Club’s Director of Cricket Paul Abbot expressed his feelings about the recent changes.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be able to confirm a number of appointments within the Club’s elite cricket department.

He continued to say: “Chris Benbow will take over Gary Yates’ responsibilities within the Academy remit, and we’re hugely fortunate to have Karl Krikken who’s been involved with us for a couple of years to take a lead as Second XI Head Coach.

“Lancashire has a proud tradition of producing home-grown players and this structure will allow us to continue this in the coming years.”

Stephen Titchard and retiree Graham Onions have also been appointed, the former as the new Group Performance Manager ages 13-15 and Onions as Specialist Bowling Coach.

The Women’s line up has also seen some big changes.

Ex England all rounder Craig White has joined as an Assistant Coach, along with Cookie Patel, a new Fielding Coach, who already has experience with the team from last summer at the Racheal Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

Former England spin bowler Stephan Parry has been helping the squad during their winter training programme as Bowling Coach Helping key spinners in the squad such as Alex Hartley and Hannah Jones.

David Thorley, Regional Performance Director of Women’s Cricket for the North West, commented: “It’s exciting that we are starting to make progress building on top of the great foundations in place in the pathway and these appointments will help us to deliver excellent coaching from elite level right across the pathway.”

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