Graham Gooch appointed England batting coach

The 58-year-old had been working as batting consultant of England since November 2009 and will start the permanent role on March 5 when his team starts the preparations for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Gooch will work along with Graham Thorpe, who will keep his role as ECB lead batting coach.

Gooch delighted for getting permanent job

“I am delighted to be taking on the role on a full-time basis,” Gooch said.

“I will now have the opportunity to spend a lot more time with the players and other coaches both in the build-up to series and during the series themselves.”

Gooch, the former opener, scored 8,900 runs in 118 tests for England at an average of 42.58. He served as head coach of Essex County from in 2001-2005.

Flower lauds Gooch’s appointment

England team director Andy Flower said:

“Graham has an excellent relationship with our batsmen and is already an important part of our management team so I am very pleased that he will be joining us on a full-time basis.”

England are currently playing limited-over series against Pakistan in UAE.