Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Mick Lewis has been appointed as the Club’s new Bowling Coach on a two-year contract.
The former Australia bowler emerged as the number one choice after a thorough recruitment process and will join the coaching staff ahead of the pre-season trip to Abu Dhabi in March.
Lewis, 47, is the current Head Bowling Coach at both Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades in his native Australia.
He started his playing career in Australia and made his first-class debut for Victorian Bushrangers in 1999. He gained a reputation as an extremely reliable death bowler, which earned him a One-Day International debut against New Zealand in 2005.
Lewis made 213 appearances and took 460 wickets across all formats during his career and has since held several high-profile coaching roles following his retirement in 2013.
In 2013, Lewis joined Victoria and has played a pivotal role in the Club winning three Sheffield Shield titles during his tenure. Under his supervision, nine players have progressed through the Victoria ranks to represent Australia.
Lewis was appointed Head Bowling Coach of Melbourne Stars in 2013, working with the likes of Adam Zampa and Dale Steyn before leaving the role in 2020 to join cross-city rivals, Melbourne Renegades.
Upon joining Essex County Cricket Club, Lewis said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Essex and working alongside Anthony McGrath and his coaching team.
“It’s a great opportunity and a project I’m really excited about. There are some extremely talented bowlers in the squad. Simon Harmer is one of the best spinners in the world, whilst the likes of Sam Cook and Jamie Porter should be pushing for further international recognition.
“Essex have been successful in recent times and hopefully we can get back to winning ways in 2022 and bring further silverware to The Cloud County Ground.”
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, is delighted to appoint Lewis as a new member of his coaching staff and said: “It’s great news that we’ve been able to bring Mick to Chelmsford.
“Mick has both played and coached at a high level, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to Essex.
“I know our bowlers are going to benefit hugely from his appointment and are looking forward to working with him, whilst I think everybody at the Club will profit from his technical and strategic understanding of the game.”
John Stephenson, Essex Cricket Chief Executive and Interim Chair, added: “Mick will be a great addition to the coaching staff at the Club and we’re really pleased he’s agreed to join.
“He has a proven track record of developing young bowlers, enhancing their skills and getting them ready for international cricket.”
