New Delhi:
Rajasthan Royals have appointed former England county pacer Steffan Jones as their fast bowling coach for the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League. Jones, who played for several counties in a 14-year career, took 387 wickets at an average of 36.87. Despite consistent performances, including 59 wickets in the 2006 season for Derbyshire, Jones never managed to make the England cricket team. In addition to Derbyshire, the 44-year-old has played for Somerset, Northamptonshire and Kent. In 2011, he decided to turn to coaching and he coached Derbyshire and Somerset. However, he is best known for working with the likes of Dan Christian and Stuart Broad during his short tenure with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
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In fact, Broad put out on his Twitter page that during his time with Hobart Hurricanes, he was blessed to get the services of Jones. On his Twitter handle, he wrote, “I have been lucky to work with some great bowling coaches and big Steffan Jones is right up there. Amazing knowledge and a top man.”
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Speaking on the appointment of Jones, Rajasthan Royals’ Head of Cricket Zubin Bharucha said, “Jones thinks differently, and that is what we love at the Royals. His research into other sports is extremely interesting and his data and sports science focus meant he was a perfect fit for RR. Jones brings in a fresh perspective to the art of fast bowling and we are excited to have him at Rajasthan Royals.”
Jones, on the other hand, expressed his satisfaction for being picked in the IPL franchise. “It is a privilege for me to get this role and work with one of the best T20 teams in the world. Rajasthan Royals have a great culture of unearthing new talent and developing its cricketers which I am excited to be a part of,” Jones said.
Sporting pedigree
Jones is currently director of Sports Performance and Wellbeing at Wellington School in Somerset. He was also a part-time scout for Surrey. He has a Sport and Exercise Science BSC (Hons) at Loughborough University and a PGCE in PE from Cambridge University. He has also played Rugby professionally.
In addition to his bowling, Jones also has two first-class centuries to his name, including one against New Zealand in 1999.
